THE national lawn bowls squad is going through a two-week training session with head coach Robbie Dobbins in preparation for the 2016 World Bowls Championship in New Zealand.
The side worked out at the Nadi Sports and Social Club on the weekend to lift their standard in a bid to acclimatise to the very fast New Zealand greens.
National bowls men’s manager Curtis Mar said their aim was to finish in the top 10 at the event.
“We have won silver and bronze medals before and hope to make an impact again this year,” Curtis said.
“The training sessions were excellent. There were mid-week sessions and weekend sessions. The major problem we face in the country is the lack of quality greens. Right now the greens at the Nadi Sports and Social Club are the best. The greens overseas run at 17 to 18 seconds. The Nadi greens run at 13 to 14 seconds.”
Munesh Kumar, Kushal Pillay, Samuela Tuikiligana, Rajnesh Prasad, Semesa Naiseruvati and Arun Kumar are part of the men’s squad while the women’s squad includes Sheral Mar, Litia Tikoisuva, Sainiana Walker, Elizabeth Mocewai, Loretta Kotoisuva and Veijinia Tubuna.
Dobbins will return in September for the final phase preparations.
Curtis said Dobbins would spend some time in Suva upon his return.
“Dobbins has provided a structured coaching program. We can now see the value of his work as the standard of the national reps has improved.”
Dobbins was inducted in the Bowls Australia Hall of Fame in 2013.
The championship will be held in Christchurch from November 29 to December 11.
