South Australia set to take on Victoria in annual interstate lawn bowls series next month

TRADITIONAL rivalries will be on the line when South Australia takes on Victoria in the ­annual interstate lawn bowls series next month.

TRADITIONAL rivalries will be on the line when South Australia takes on Victoria in the ­annual interstate lawn bowls series next month.

The Croweaters will face the Vics over four days at Grange Bowling Club in men's, women's, under-25 men's and women's, and under-18 men's and women's ­contests.

SA women's player Erin Haines said the series was the hosts' chance for ­revenge after they won only one of the six divisions at last year's tournament.

"It's a fierce rivalry ­between us and always has been," the 25 year old said.

"We want to get some of these trophies back off them, especially on our home turf.

"Hopefully we can all go out there and kick a Vic."

The SA men's side will feature Holdfast Bay skip Max Kleinig, as well as Wayne Ruediger, Scott Thulborn and Mark Haines who were impressive in leading Adelaide Endurance to second place at last month's Australian Premier League in Queensland.

The women's team boasts young guns Renne McPharlin and Breeana Dickson, as well as Modbury's Cherie Morgan.

Victoria will bring a formidable squad over the border featuring ­national team players Dylan Fisher, Matt Flapper, Sam Shanahan and Carla ­Odgers.

"Victoria is quite strong and they've also got quite a young line-up, especially in the women," Haines said.

"But we are looking strong as well and this will be a great hit-out."

Haines said the tournament would be ideal preparation ahead of the national championships in Tasmania in March.

The West Lakes bowler said Ruediger, a greenkeeper at Grange, had been preparing a slower deck in a bid to replicate the conditions expected on the Apple Isle.

"This is huge preparation for us and gives us that level of competition and defines who makes the team and who doesn't for the nationals," she said.

"For those playing in the under-25s it's also a chance to impress and possibly make it into the (senior) team as well."

The SA-Victoria series will be played at Grange Bowling Club, Wilson Court, Grange, from Monday, January 6, to Thursday, January 9.