Aussie selection for local bowlers

THE dreams continue for local Mount Gambier Indoor Bowlers Fiona Pearson, Serena Bourn and Keisha Pearson after being selected in the Australian Indoor Bias Bowls team.

Mount Gambier District Indoor Bowls Association bowlers Fiona Pearson, Keisha Pearson, Serena Bourn and Zac Pearson took part in three days of intense trials in Ballarat earlier this month.

At those trials they had to play in front of the Australian selectors, who then select the Australian team.

Zac missed out on selection, but Fiona, Serena and Keisha were selected to be a part of the Australian team.

Fiona’s, Serena’s and Keisha’s main challenge was to convert their play from a standard 30ft carpet to the international 24ft carpet.

This suited the three of them at the trials as all them their favoured game is to play a short end.

Only seven men and seven ladies are selected to form the Australian test team.

Australia competes in a Trans Tasman test against New Zealand every two years and both countries hold the test on a rotating basis.

This year the test is to be held in Port Sorell, Tasmania, May 14-16.

Fiona was excited when she was selected for the fifth time to represent Australia, with her daughter Keisha representing her country for the third time.

Serena was jubilant when she was selected again in the Australian team for her second time.

The three of them walked away thrilled knowing that they were to play at the highest level that the game of indoor bowls can be played in Australia.

Being three of eight ladies selected is a great honour and everyone from the local association was thrilled with the news.

Fiona will be playing lead in the Ladies Triples team with Julie Zaporozec (TAS) & Monika Korn (NSW).

Fiona then doubles up and represents Australia playing in the Mixed Fours with Serena Bourn (lead), Tony Simpson (TAS) (third) & Kyle French (QLD) skippering.

Serena will play as a lead in the Mixed Fours team with Fiona Pearson (second), Tony Simpson (TAS) (third) & Kyle French (QLD) skippering.

Serena will then double up leading in the Mixed 6 Bowl Pairs team with Simon Zaporozec (TAS) skippering.

Keisha will represent her country as a reserve.

Fiona was also announced as the Australian vice captain for the 2026 Test series.

The Mount Gambier girls are the only three South Australians in the team.