Media release: 18 April 2007

ENGLAND LADS LIKE THEIR WORLD TEAM CUP CHANCES

England has selected a class contingent of lads looking to take the inaugural World Team Cup trophy back to Britain.

The hardened team of Robert Newman, Nick Brett and Mark Walton are coming off their indoor season and primed to hit the carpet running at Tweed Heads Bowls Club.

The World Team Cup, to be held from 17-25 May, will pit leading nations of bowls against one another.

Australia will head into the men’s and women’s sections keen to dominate on home soil. But as the visiting nations like the English continue to reveal strong squads, the task for the host becomes tougher.

Newman was a fours gold medal winner at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester back in 2002.

The 32-year-old has been playing for 20 years and his list of achievements includes bronze at the 2004 World Bowls Championship and the British Isles indoor singles title in 1998.

Team-mate Walton, 40, was the 2005 World Champion of Champions winner and also won the British Isles indoor triples event in the same year.

He plays his indoor bowls with Hornsea and aims to win gold for his country at Commonwealth Games level.

Brett is the least experienced at international level, but one of the brightest prospects in the United Kingdom.

A 2006 Tri Series winner, Brett has already added the European team trophy to his cabinet in 2007.

Team manager John Bell said the World Team Cup had already become a sought-after title among the Europeans.

“We are really looking forward to this new world event,” Bell said.

“It is essential for our players to participate in top world class tournaments like this. Only by playing against the world's best can individuals and teams condition themselves in a way that will enable them to make a serious challenge for world titles and other global competitions.”

Bell said knowledge of conditions “down under” would assist his trio.

“We have selected a strong team, all three of which have played successfully in the Southern Hemisphere,” Bell explained.

“All three are also coming straight from the pinnacle of their indoor season, which will be a big advantage given that this year's inaugural event is indoors too.

“I am confident we will put in a very strong challenge for this prestigious event and we look forward to enjoying the magnificent host venue, and the famous Aussie hospitality.”

Tickets to the event are now available online at www.bowlsaustralia.com.au or by calling (03) 9819-2722.

England team for the 2007 World Team Cup

Men: Nick Brett, Robert Newman, Mark Walton.