Bowls: National teams announced

Gisborne teenager Shannon McIlroy has won selection in the youngest New Zealand men's bowls team ever named, to compete in the Asia/Pacific tournament in Christchurch in January.

The five-strong team announced today averages just 27 years, with McIlroy, who last January became the youngest player ever to claim a national title, the youngest at 19 and Sydney-based Richard Girvan the team's veteran at 33.

Also named were Australian-born Doug Wilson, 26, former world champ of champ singles champion Ali Forsyth, 27, and national fours champion skip Dwayne Cameron, 30.

Russell Meyer was not considered for selection.

The New Zealand women's squad for the tournament features two newcomers -- Mary Campbell from Taupo and Manu Timoti from Whangarei.

They will combine with established internationals Val Smith and Khan sisters, Marina and Jan.

Top bowlers Jo Edwards and Sharon Sims were not considered for selection because the selectors want to broaden their base of international players.

Teams:

Men: Ali Forsyth (Nelson), singles, pairs; Dwayne Cameron (Counties Manukau), pairs, fours; Shannon McIlroy (Gisborne-East Coast), triples, fours; Doug Wilson (North Harbour), triples, fours; Richard Girvan (Australia), triples, fours.

Women: Val Smith (Nelson), singles, pairs; Mary Campbell (Bay of Plenty), pairs, fours; Manu Timoti (Northland), triples, fours; Marina Khan (Waikato), triples, fours; Jan Khan (Canterbury), triples, fours.

- NZPA