Men’s Prestige Pairs kick off today at Moama Bowling Club.

A quality field is competing in the Moama Men’s Prestige Pairs 2023 over the next three days at Moama Bowling Club.

The event starts on Monday, 23rd October and concludes on Wednesday 25th October 2023 with the club delighted to have assembled such a strong field for the event.

The Men’s Prestige Pairs dates back to 1991 and it an invitational event only.

The field is limited to 48 teams and the club typically offers a place to the top 30 for the following year. Each team plays 8 games in a random draw and winner is determined by wins and margin.

A ladies version started in 2002 with Olivia Cartwright and Chloe Stewart the 2023 winners.

It is the richest pairs tournament in Australia with a prize fund of $40,000 and the winners winning $12,000.

This field this year is particularly strong with multiple world champions, commonwealth medal winners and international representatives.

They’ve also managed to secure some last-minute Live Streaming of the event. You can catch all the action on the The Greens at Moama Facebook page or via the Bowls Victoria YouTube page.

Here are a few teams to look out for over the course of the three days, as brought to you by resident Bowls Guru Jack McHigh (courtesy of The Greens at Moama).

Men’s Prestige Pairs 2023 Preview

The Holders – Local young gun Cameron Keenan will once again team up with newly crowned World Singles Champion Ryan Bester from Broadbeach Bowls Club. Fingers crossed Ryan shows up with a suitcase this year after last years drama’s with Qantas. These two went unbeaten last year and will be very tough to beat again.

The Goats – WOW – where do we start with this team? And Who Skips? Legendary Scotsman Alex ‘Tattie’ Marshall MBE and Proud Queenslander Aron ‘omar’ Sherriff will be teaming up in this year’s event. Having played against each other many times over the years, we will finally get the chance to see these two legends of the game in the same team. Will anyone in the field be able to stop them? We can’t wait to find out.

The Gorillas – Two teams are coming from NSW Powerhouse club Warilla. Newly crowned Australian Pairs Champions Gary Kelly and Corey Wedlock will be looking to continue their red-hot form and improve on last year’s third place finish.

King Jeremy Henry will also return to the field after sacking Moama Bowls Manager Kevin Anderson and replacing him with his young apprentice Aaron Teys. The Warilla boys are always there or thereabouts in the big events and we think this event will be no different.

THE AB’s NZ – These two (former?) New Zealand internationals need no introduction. This year Shannon McIlroy and Gary Lawson will be travelling across the ditch to have a crack at the $12,000 first prize. The All Blacks are getting to the point end of the Rugby World Cup, and we think these boys will definitely be at the pointy end come Wednesday afternoon.

The Not Even The Best Players In Their Own House – Interesting combination this one. These two delightful laid back characters have obviously spent a fair bit of time together on the sidelines watching their partners Katelyn Inch and Kelly McKerihen winning medals galore over the last few years. Ryan Burnett and Ali Forsyth will be in the hunt come Wednesday afternoon. The team have promised to have matching haircuts for the event so we will keep a close eye on that one to see how that’s going to work.

The Old Retiree – We are delighted to have recently retired Australian champ Barrie Lester in this year’s event teaming up with Simon Leon. Barrie recently called time on his glittering International career after over 200 games representing Australia. Still a World Class player, Barrie and Simon will be in the hunt on Wednesday afternoon.

The Locals – Moama teams will be taking to The Greens on Monday morning, Club Pairs Champions Graham O’Brien and Kevin Brennan, Glenn Dorward and Barry Brennan along with Peter Campbell and Travis Kelly will all be looking to put their local knowledge to good use and knock off a few of the big guns. All 3 teams will be hard to beat on their own greens!

The Saints – Last year’s runner-up Ben Twist has axed partner David Ferguson for this year’s event and replaced him with young up and coming star Joseph Clarke. A very sensible move by Ben some would say. The pair are joined by fellow St Johns Park duo Bryce Billington and Phil Clarke who will be looking to improve on last year’s 14th place finish.

Fear the Deer? – Deer Park Bowls Manager Mark Casey once described partner Sean Ingham as the biggest pest in lawn bowls. We can’t say we disagree with you Mark and this week the former Queensland teammates will be looking to take home first prize. You would be mad to take Case and Nugget lightly. Two legends in their own right.

Also from the Deer Park Club we have 2020 winner Ryan Tainton teaming up with specialist lead Tom Hicks. Another formidable pair who will be in with a huge chance of winning.

The Localish Teams – look out for these guys over the course of the 3 days, Luke Hoskin and Brad Orr will be difficult to beat – 6.5 wins last year was enough to secure 6th spot for this formidable pair. South Bendigo and Victoria Star Brad Holland will also team up with Guy Madigan from Tallygaroopna. Dave Daws and Mark Ryan Will also be in the mix. Look out for these guys, especially if you play them in round 3 or 6. If you’re not quick your afternoon tea will be long gone by the time you get into the clubhouse!

Other pairings include Ben McArthur teaming up with Brody Harker, Clayton Holcombe and Chris Young, plus Garry Ball and Craig Mills.