By JARROD POTTER
TURNING back the clock on the Australian lawn bowls scene, 15-year-old Cranbourne bowler Tayla Morison will don the green and gold next month in the Trans-Tasman challenge.
Morison will represent Australia in the under-18 squad against New Zealand when the biggest battle in international lawn bowls descends on Traralgon.
She was thrilled to get the call up and hopes to make the most of a rare opportunity for someone as young as she is.
“I was very excited when I got the call from Steve (Glasson, head coach),” Morison said.
“Obviously, not too sure what they’re thinking when it’s coming up to selection, but it’s always exciting to get the phone call to say you’re in.”
“I’m setting myself to make sure I’m mentally prepared for it as you want to go in with a good mindset playing at that level and physically as well in case the conditions are too hot as you don’t want to go away not ready for the heat.”
Morison isn’t underestimating her neighbourly international competitors and admits any lapse in concentration could prove problematic for the Aussies.
“Australia every year plays against New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman and it’s always known as the biggest clash in world bowls, so we’ll be playing down in Traralgon in a test series against them,” Morison said.
“You’ve always got to watch out for them as they could always knock us over if we’re not expecting it, so I think it’s going to be pretty high competition.”
Morison’s Victorian state team managed to place second at the recently held state championships.
At a club level, she has represented Melbourne in the premier competition and won the club singles for the second year in a row.
Bowls Australia national coach Steve Glasson said the selection in the Australian side was extremely prestigious after a year of consistent performance for the athletes.
“Selection in this team to represent Australia in what is a much-sought after event is worthy recognition for the performances of the past 12 months for these young players,” Glasson said.
“Three players have been selected for a second time which is a wonderful achievement by them, and I am thrilled to welcome the other seven juniors into the international fold for the first time.
“The experience they will all gain by spending time at the event with our senior Jackaroos and our development teams will only enhance their bowls careers further,” Glasson said.
“It’s a great opportunity for them.”
The Trans-Tasman series will run from 18-20 March in Traralgon.
