Bowling in new direction

Gun Masterton outdoor bowler Ian Monaghan is aiming to replicate his feats as a player on the coaching front.

Monaghan, winner of 44 centre titles in Wairarapa, will attend a Bowls New Zealand course in Auckland from June 8-10 that should see him earn a performance coach accreditation.

Black Jacks coach Dave Edwards will be the main instructor at the course, which will cover subjects such as technique and match play, individual performance plans, team selecting and managing, sports science and the implementing of acceptable culture and values.

Monaghan is keen to not only develop the skills of Wairarapa players but ultimately to coach at the highest levels.

"It would be nice to help promote the sport overseas in, say, the Pacific region where there is still a lot of work to be done," he said.

Monaghan is coaching six Wairarapa youngsters who will attend the secondary school regional play-offs in Hastings on July 7-8 and has been impressed by their commitment and willingness to learn.

Jefferson Dew, of Wairarapa College, and Adele Critchlow, of St Matthew's, will play in the singles and Damien Holder and Jake Woolford, of Wairarapa College, and Krystal Bennett and Amy Young, also of Wairarapa College, will play in the pairs.

Monaghan is also looking to set up a Wairarapa talent development squad to train over the winter months but is having difficulty finding a suitable venue that will meet the required needs.

The only synthetic surface available in Wairarapa is at Masterton Park and it is already well booked.