SA bowls stars ready for new challenge as key event looms

The duo form part of the 64-strong field from 24 countries with competition expected to be fierce as the world’s best bowls competitors go for gold. The event starts on Monday and runs through to Friday.

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“I’m obviously keen and ready to get started in Bristol,” Evans told Bowls South Africa shortly before jetting off to the UK for his first competitive stint abroad in a number of years.

“It’s going to be a challenge for sure … we’ve been told that the surface runs around the 20 second mark which is going to be something that both Colleen and myself will need to be adjusting to quickly.

“It affects everything and I want to make sure that the bowl I choose will allow me to take plenty of line and then watch it drift and draw back slowly to the centre line.”

Evans will partner Colleen Piketh for the Bowls Mixed Pairs section of the event

“Colleen is a great friend of mine and I’m excited. We’ve played a lot of bowls together as far back as the 90s at Kempton Park and we’ve known each for ages. 

“She remains one of the best in the world so you can imagine why I am ready and eager to see how far we can go.”

Personally, Evans is motivated to start the international year off well.

“I’d say I’m in good form going into the start of the Indoors. I think I will be concentrating on adapting early to the new conditions and then really getting out there and showing what I can do.”

Piketh has “been there and done that” but admits to having had a look at the draw with some curiosity.

“Some of the names I expected aren’t there but who knows, the new crop of players might be just as good or even better, so I will be focussed 100% all the time.

“I’ll be trying to put them close and then you know, whatever happens on the day.”

Since relocating to Mossel Bay, Piketh has played even more bowls and is ready for the elite level competition.

“I’ve been doing all my assessments ahead of the Commonwealth Games, practising a lot and then you know on the coast, there’s a lot of bowls on the weekend. So I’m playing more than ever and feeling good.”

She closes with a wry grin, “I’m looking forward to teaming up with Jason in the Mixed pairs. We’re going to give them a good run for their money.”

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