KENO NSW Blues Triumph in Thrilling Test Series Against QLD
The 2024 KENO NSW Blues vs Queensland Test Series has concluded at St Johns Park after two days of intense competition featuring some of the best players in the country and the world. Six sides went head-to-head in a best-of-three Series, Men’s and Women’s Open, Over 40s, and Under 25 Sides.
Our mighty KENO NSW Blues emerged as the overall winner, securing 4 out of 6 series wins. The Open Men and Women, Under 25 Men, and Over 40s Women all took home the shield.
Rex Johnston, Chairman of the Selection Committee, commented, “We have seen some great results across all sides. The women have performed exceptionally despite the absence of four of their incumbent members. The Open Men returned fantastic results with the experimental squad of 14. Our decision on the teams for the NSW v VIC Test and Nationals has become much more difficult. Overall, I am excited about the amount of talent NSW has to offer, and we are in a really strong position coming into the NSW v VIC Test and Nationals later this year.”
Open Men
The KENO NSW Blues Open Men secured a clean sweep of the series, winning all three Tests.
The first Test was a close contest, with the scores neck and neck up to the halfway point. After 22 ends, NSW pulled ahead and maintained their lead, finishing with a final score of 59-46.
Riding high from their morning win, the NSW team started strong and finished the second Test with a commanding score of 68-41, securing the series win.
In the third Test, NSW again showed their strength by taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout, finishing as strongly as they began with a score of 60-50.
Open Women
The KENO NSW Blues Women’s Open team claimed the shield with a flawless three Test victory over Queensland.
The team started their campaign with a strong lead and maintained it throughout the entire first Test, finishing with a score of 72-48.
In the second Test, Queensland sought redemption, leading in the first half with NSW trailing 22-29 after 22 ends. However, NSW staged an impressive comeback to win the second Test and secure the series.
NSW commanded the third Test from the start, leading 45-26 at the halfway point, and continued strongly to win the match 64-49.
Over 40’s Men
Queensland claimed the Over 40 Series with a nail-biting finish in the deciding third Test against NSW.
NSW won the first Test in the Over 40’s Men’s Series. Although Queensland led in the first half, NSW fought back to secure a 38-31 victory.
In the second test, Queensland fought back to win 43-33, tying the series at 1-1.
The KENO NSW Blues Over 40’s Men rallied overnight for the deciding test of the series and started strong. However, Queensland absorbed the pressure and matched NSW’s score. It was a neck-and-neck race to the end, with Queensland pulling ahead in the final moments to finish 40-32 winners.
Over 40’s Women
The KENO NSW Blues Over 40’s Women’s team won their series with a stunning comeback in the deciding third Test.
The NSW Over 40’s Women showed their strength early in the series, winning the first Test with a score of 47-35.
In the second Test, Queensland bounced back to take the match 57-21.
Coming into the third Test, NSW was determined. Their energy and enthusiasm were unmatched, and they took the lead from the start. NSW maintained their commanding lead to finish strong with a score of 57-26.
Under 25 Men
The KENO NSW Blues Under 25 Men have secured the series with an impressive two out of three wins.
The NSW Under 25 Men showed their strength in the first Test, leading throughout and finishing with a commanding 46-26 victory.
In the second Test, their performance was ruthless. Leading Queensland throughout the match, they finished with a 53-24 win, securing the series.
Queensland sought redemption in the third Test, taking an early lead and finishing strong with a score of 26-45.
Under 25’s Women
Queensland proved too strong for the Under 25 Women, taking out the test series.
The first test was a tightly contested match, with NSW chasing a win until the last end, but ultimately finishing with a score of 42-45.
Queensland was dominant from the start in the second test, winning the match and securing the series victory.
The NSW team was looking for atonement in the third Test, finding an early lead with a score of 26-19 at the halfway point. NSW continued their comeback and took the third test with an impressive 50-38 victory.
Bowls NSW Director John Ellison encapsulated the Test series in his presentation speech, stating, “What a wonderful couple of days of bowls played in a fantastic venue.” He also extended his gratitude to St Johns Park for their exceptional hosting of this prestigious event.
Bowls QLD President Brian Marshall echoed John’s praise for St Johns Park and also expressed appreciation for the players, officials, and volunteers. Brian added, “Congratulations to NSW on their well-deserved wins. We look forward to hosting you all next year in QLD.”
For the full results of the KENO NSW Blues v Queensland Test Series please go online to bowlslink.
Thank you to KENO for their continued support of the KENO NSW Blues