Bellis's omission disappointing

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33813, 9 April 1975, Page 14

Bellis's omission disappointing

1 lie absence ol a specialist lead and the non-inclusion of the game's brightest young prospect tn years. Peter Bellis (Wanganui). are the only criticism that can be made of the New Zealand bowls team, named last week to contest the world championships in South Africa early next year. Predictably. Kerry Clark (Dunedin) has been entrusted with the singles and there is nothing surprising about three members of the four. Bob McDonald (Auckland), Vic Sellars (Manawatu) and Dave Baldwin (Taranaki). The fourth spot was probably open and that Jack Somerville (Matamata) won it suggests that the selectors may have doubts about whether Bellis is sufficiently experienced yet for international play. Baldwin has been named as the four's lead and while he can be relied on to adequately fill the position it does seem something of a waste of his talents. He is one of the steadiest bowlers in the country and his range of shots is far wider than . that required by a lead. ' Somerville, along with Clark and Baldwin, was in

the four which won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games last year and it is as a driver par excellence that he has made his name. This could be a handyj weapon in South Africa. 1 but it is perhaps a slight i luxury in a four which I also contains McDonald.] another outstandingly good! driver. Sellars, the only new! international, has” fully ! earned his place — he should make an excellent, second in the four — with a string of good perform-] ances in national tournaments. It is, however,] slightly surprising that he has been preferred ahead, of Somerville as the] party’s second skip Sellars will skip the pair, with Clark as his lead,] leaving Somerville free to! continue his partnership with McDonald in the triples. This could be] aimed at keeping Somer-

drive is well-known check. While the team, aver-a; i» a strong one and >hi.. do well, it is something { a pity that Bellis has nt been given his chance, it ability is beyond quest, and a trip next would ha» nicely "blooded him i, the Commonwealth Game in 1978. In addition, his selects would have acted as a spj to younger bowlers bitious to reach the top There will be a d-. appointment in Canterbur that Stan Lawson has rc done bet ter-than second -< serve, behind Bellis. Law son was also a reserve fj the Commonwealth Game team last year and it is u be hoped that he does no suffer the fate of othe sportsmen of being consid ered such a handy playq that he makes the ideal re serve — never anythin; mure.