Bowls SA reveals plans for inaugural SA Super League
A NEW elite competition will deliver the biggest revolution in more than a century of SA lawn bowls while creating better pathways for players to represent Australia, the sport’s governing body says.
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AN SA lawn bowls revolution more than a century in the making will create better pathways for players to represent Australia and build a new image for the sport, its state body says.
Bowls SA has unveiled plans for its SA Super League, an elite franchise-based competition set to kick-off in July.
The league will feature eight regional teams, each representing clusters of metropolitan and country-zoned clubs, which will battle it out initially in a six-week winter tournament.
Bowls SA chief executive Mark Easton said it would improve the performance of the state’s top bowlers and make the Croweaters more competitive on the national stage.
He said the Super League also had the potential to supersede the pennant competition, which dates back to 1901, as SA’s premier grade.
“It’s a new era for the game,” Easton said.
“The ultimate thing is making sure the best players are playing against the best players.
“We want success as a state, we want to win (national) titles and we think this is the vehicle to get us there.
“Hopefully the profile of the sport gets lifted as a result.”
Bowls SA began working four years ago to create an elite competition which produced a higher standard of play and a more marketable image for the sport.
The inaugural Super League will be hosted at Salisbury Bowling Club on artificial greens under its $1.3 million all-weather dome.
Easton said the tournament would eventually move to summer to run concurrently with pennant. It would be rotated between city and regional venues.
Long-term he hoped it would attract interstate and international bowlers, while giving talented youngsters a goal to work towards.
“As a sport, we need something that even a 14-year-old kid can actually aspire to play in,” Easton said.
“But we would also invite outside players to play, because we’ll become better because of it.
“We have a vision, it’s a start and it’s something we need to build on.
“But we certainly see it as a permanent structure.”
Marquee bowlers for each franchise were announced on Saturday.
These will be bolstered by a draft on June 7, when coaches will select another six players to complete their 12-person squad, including at least two from country regions.
Holdfast Bay skip Max Kleinig, who will lead Western Rogues, said it was a timely boost for the sport.
“It’s a new adventure,” national squad member Kleinig said.
“It’s going to be promoted by the best players and it’s going to be a great pathway for all athletes.
“This will do wonders for our state teams and for further recognition in national sides.”
Teams, which will vie for a berth in September’s grand final, will feature at least three female players.
Heysen Comets marquee Cassandra Harvey said the Super League would help SA players compete with interstate rivals.
“It’s a really good concept,” Harvey, 22, said.
“To have this to look forward to, to keep our practice up is awesome.
“Now we get to keep playing throughout the year and not miss out on the progression like other states get.”
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