October 16, 2008
West Australian lawn bowlers have not supported the new concept of the Australian Open series.
I would think that Bowls Australia would be disappointed with the numbers that have entered the State qualifying rounds here in the West. Looking at the draw it is going to be so easy to qualify due to the lack of numbers competing in the three events
MEN
34 singles players
20 pairs teams
10
Triples teams
LADIES
22 Singles
12 Pairs teams
7 Triples teams
There is one plus for the new format for BowlsAUS and that is the qualifying rounds are played in each State therefore saving players quite a sum of money and time traveling to Melbourne in an attempt to qualify for the open series.
So why haven't we received more entries? Lack of interest, Work commitment and cost quickly come to mind and perhaps the format, a player travels over to Melbourne and loses 7/6, 6/6 then returns home after playing 18 ends
Give me the standard 21 or 25 up game anytime where the player who plays the best usually wins.
Of course we also have our W.A State events now played thru the week and that will eliminate many working bowlers from competing and the question is how much time can a working player afford to take off when combining the State events and the Aus Open.
It would be nice to see the Australian Open series shared around the States like it used to be rather than be locked into being played at Darebin in Victoria tho this year it is being played in provincial Shepparton while the Darebin greens are being renovated. It will be played back at Darebin in 2010.
The other distraction of players competing in the Aus Open is the disruption to the local pennant scene.
We remember Russell hughes missing one round of fixtures as did about 15/20 players at the beginning of the Aus Open, Russell made it thru to the semi-final in the Singles which was played on the following friday and the final being played on the Saturday.
had he made it thru to the final it would have caused more problems because the Pennant finals were being played on that weekend.
Myself I don't agree with players receiving dispensation to play in the Australian Open because of how many bowlers and club events are put out having to re-arrange games to accommodate a handful of bowlers choosing to play in the Aus Open.
It should not be the case that so many players be inconvienced for a handful of players.
Players should have to make a choice. Either it is pennants or it is the Aus Open
Overall it would be better to have the Aus Open played between April and May and to be shared around the Australian States
In days gone by The Australian Open Singles was played in each State and had huge interest and participation, first to 25 wins, how sad to have canned that.
Should players recieve dispensation to play in the Australian Open
Vote
SHERRO