Bowls: Galloway picked for Hong Kong

Auckland greenkeeper Mike Galloway was yesterday named to partner New Zealand's leading bowler, Peter Belliss, at the prestigious Hong Kong pairs tournament in November.

Galloway, 34, was surprised at his selection, after he failed to make the national trial 10-man squad last year.

At the time, he said he would spend more time playing golf, something he hasn't done because of his work commitments at the Pakuranga club.

The New Zealand selectors in recent years have used the Hong Kong tournament to blood promising talent at international level, a ploy repeated with Galloway's promotion.

"To be honest, this call has come out of the blue," he said.

Galloway, who has played internationally for national development teams against Fiji and South Australia, won the Manurewa pairs title with Gavin Brown in January and won the Superbowls singles title in 1997.

Selection panel convener Peter Kean said Galloway's selection was part of a strategy to keep the base of players just below the top string as broad as possible.

"Mike has a good track record, has a steady nerve in top-level domestic play and we want to see how he fares one level up."

- NZPA