Three top county juniors earn call-up for international trials
Last updated 11:46, Thursday, 09 October 2008
MUCH of the important indoor action has yet to start but there was good news this week for three of Cumbria’s up and coming stars with the announcement of the Junior International Trial teams.
The trial takes place on Sunday week at the Kingsthorpe Indoor Bowls Club in Northampton and David Forster, Kevin Harrison and Danny May will all be taking part.
Danny May made his international debut last year and in view of the success which he has had in the meantime he is almost certain to be selected again. He will be skipping in the trial.
Forster and Harrison have been selected to lead and if they produce their best in the trial there must be every chance that they too will join May in the team for both the Junior International match against Wales at Swansea on November 23rd and the Junior International Series which takes place at Dunfermline on January 10-11.
Cumbria’s Juniors are also in action on Sunday when they meet Durham in the Under County Double Rink.
At home Lewis Parker, Jonathon Fieldhouse, David Forster and Danny May will represent Cumbria while Kevin Harrison, Mark Irwin, Gary Robertson and Stephen Green travel to South Shields for the away game. Durham have had a good side in recent seasons but the Cumbria side also looks a good solid team and should have every chance of making it through to the next round.
The game starts at 10am and supporters are welcome to come along and encourage the youngsters.
The English Indoor Bowling Association will shortly be publishing its updated Ranking List and there are three Cumbrians in the top fifty. Heading the list is Stephen Farish at number nine followed closely by Craig Docherty at 12 while Trevor Taylor is at 46.
The ranking list is based upon players’ performances in the area nationals and their subsequent performances at the national championships over the last five years with additional points being given for those who are chosen to represent England in either the full or Junior International sides.
Some people argue that only the actual performances and not the opinions of international selectors should be taken into account and in many respects I would agree with that.
Removing the international points would see Stephen Farish at 10, Craig Docherty at 15, Trevor Taylor at 39 and would also bring Paul Barlow into the top 50 at number 49.
Cumbria’s Senior players are taking part in their first game in the new national inter county league and those who pick up their copy of the News & Star early in the day can see how they get on when they play Yorkshire.
Three rinks are playing at Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club in Carlisle and three rinks travel to Selby IBC. Cumbria will meet Durham and Lancashire before Christmas and the top team will move into the national semi-finals when all six rinks will play on one venue.
Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire have, until this year, been playing in a northern counties league and previous results in this league suggest that Durham will be the main dangers to Cumbria. Today’s game starts at noon
