The puzzle becomes clearer

Australia’s Commonwealth Games shadow squad was trimmed to 20 today (2/3) with just 10 men and 10 women now vying for a berth to Delhi.

Following a number of key selection events, including last week’s Moama International and the recent Australian Open, the national selectors have made the painstaking decision to cull eight players from contention, while also including NSW’s Beth Quinlan from outside of the original 28.

As a result, the makeup of the Delhi Commonwealth Games team is starting to take place, with a second training camp in Cairns at the Marlin Coast Bowls Club next week likely to have a significant bearing on the final team headed to the sub-continent.

Among those cut this morning include South Australia’s Penny Landherr and Kelli Wray, Western Australia’s Therese Hastings, NSW’s Lisa Mitchell, Gerard Beath and Mick Cronin, as well as Victoria’s Carla Odgers.

Queensland’s Nathan Rice, who captured bronze in the men’s pairs at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, was also released, while Victoria’s Todd Simmons withdrew from the shadow squad earlier this year.

According to national coach Rex Johnston, today’s decisions were among the most difficult of his short reign in the top job.

 “It’s always tough when you have to tell players that they are not selected,” Johnston said.

“But that’s the nature of the beast.

“We’ve selected a strong squad with a good mix which we believe will help us win gold medals in Delhi.

“Next week’s training camp will be vital to our preparations and I’m sure it will be keenly contested.”

With Australia due to take part in an eight nation test event in Delhi next month, Monday’s training camp at Marlin Coast will be the final opportunity for the shadow squad to press their claims ahead of the crucial Commonwealth Games trial.

Staged at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Bowling Complex, just outside of the main venue, the eight nation competition will also feature New Zealand, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, South Africa and India from April 6 to 10.

The competition is expected to be the only opportunity to play at the host venue prior to October’s XIX Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games shadow squad 

Julie Keegan, Anne Johns, Sharyn Renshaw, Beth Quinlan & Kelsey Cottrell (St Johns Park, NSW), Karen Murphy & Claire Duke (Cabramatta, NSW), Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace, NSW), Lynsey Armitage (Club Helensvale, QLD) and Sam Shannahan (Lara, VIC).

Leif Selby & Mark Berghofer (St Johns Park, NSW), Wayne Turley (Taren Point, NSW),  Aron Sherriff (Halekulani, NSW), Terry Antram (Nelson Bay, NSW), Brett Wilkie, Anthony Kiepe & Mark Casey (Club Helensvale, QLD) and Lee Schraner (Brighton, VIC) & Mark Jacobsen (Moonee Ponds, VIC).