Rathkeale College duo Jonathon Sloan and William Bartlett are set to make a bold showing in the boys' pairs event at the national secondary schools outdoor bowls championships which start in Dunedin on Sunday and continue until Tuesday.
The two 18-year-olds were selected by Bowls Wairarapa coaching co-ordinator Ian Monaghan to
contest the regional playoffs against the best youngsters from Manawatu and Hawke's Bay. By placing second there they qualified to go forward to the nationals.
Monaghan, who will accompany them to Dunedin, believes Sloan and Bartlett could be "dark horses" and place in the top-three in section play, a scenario which would have them playing off for the major spoils.
"Obviously we don't know a lot about the quality of the opposition because we haven't seen many of them play, but our guys should do a good job," Monaghan said, adding that Sloan and Bartlett had made pleasing progress during a quite intensive training regime over the past month or so. "They are growing in confidence all the time and bowls is a confidence game. Having a clear mind is so important when it comes to choosing your shot and playing it."
Monaghan expects Sloan and Bartlett to be suited by the fast-paced Dunedin greens and expects them to respond well to pressure situations. "They don't seem to get too bothered when things go against them and that sort of temperament can be a huge asset in bowls," he said.
