Team Aero news — Aero Bowls SA

Team Aero have confirmed their powerful lineup to play the South African team, who are preparing to leave for the World Bowls Championships in August.

The clash between Team Aero and the Proteas will take place in Johannesburg at Morningside CC on 20 August and promises to be a stern test.

Manager for Team Aero, Allan Gordon, has now confirmed the lineup which will be led by retired superstar Gerry Baker.

Baker and Jax van Rensburg are among the internationals ready for the challenge while former SA National singles winner Shaun Thomas is gearing up for his own Australian adventure as part of this lineup.

“Our first priority was to choose a side that will give the Proteas a decent warm up and help with their preparations.” says Gordon.

“From our point of view, we also selected the squad based on the future of the game. It’s going to allow these players the chance to play at what will be the closest to international competition that you get. We are expected the Proteas to be at their best and it will give our squad the chance to see where they stand as they strive to make it to that level.”

Given that the opportunity to play against the Proteas in an exhibition match doesn’t come around too often, Gordon faced the unenviable task of selecting the squad and having to leave players out.

“It was a difficult selection as Aero required me to balance the team with youngsters right the way through to veterans and I think I have achieved this,” adds Gordon.

“There was a criteria that I stuck to and trust me, it wasn’t easy leaving some really good players and in-form stars out. Among those missing out due to different reasons were Warren Steyn and Aidan de Smidt, who both had very good Gauteng Open events, were unlucky to miss out as well as the likes of Jason van Rensburg, the impressive young star Lethabo Mathibela as well as Prince Neulonde. They’ve all had solid seasons.

No players from outside the region were considered despite a lot of interest.

“There has been plenty of interest in this warm up match with players from Cape Town, East London and Durban all asking to be considered for selection but this wasn’t practically possible this time around,” added Gordon.

Team Aero is particularly strong in the ladies team which leaves Gordon confident of a good showing.

“The ladies team is filled with dynamic, young players who have booked their spots in the squad by having outstanding seasons. I have picked six players to cover for the bit of inexperience that the squad may have but I sense that they will be all up to the task,” he says.

The squad is captained by Gerry Baker.

“Look here we are serious underdogs – five of the 10 in the SA side are Aero players and could not be considered,” says Baker.

“Gianni Gatti would have been a shoe in for selection but he was not considered because he is in the SA Veterans team. Like Allan says, we’re missing out on a few top bowlers like Prince, Aiden etc - all of those guys would have added immense value.

“Our main objective is to give the national team the best possible warm up prior to their departure and if we fluke a win here and there that will be a bonus.”