With the pennant season looming, a large group of Sturt bowlers took to the greens on Wednesday 9 September for the first day of internal trials.
Making a clean break from the informality of Winter Bowls, the rinks were switched to the regulation North–South.
And bowlers were immediately reacquainted with one of Sturt's familiar challenges—a choppy south-westerly blowing through the entrance gate and making life particularly interesting when bowling from the Unley Oval end.
Chair of Selectors Graham Wood said the main aim of the day was to get bowlers back on the green and playing triples, with everyone gaining experience by rotating through the different positions.
He said the internal trials will become increasingly structured before external trials commence later this month.
It was also good to welcome back several players who had not been sighted at the club for some time, including Henk Pelgrim, Rob Warhurst, Mick Spinelli, Richard Bolton, Milton Rattigan, Chris Oerman and Chris Adam.
Chris Adam did, however, return without his outstanding bright blue reflective sunglasses.
Sadly, he revealed that the reflective coating had peeled off during a routine clean.
A significant loss to Sturt fashion as well as eyewear.
There was plenty happening off the green as well.
Adding some levity to the relaxed occasion, the break included a rendition of Happy Birthday for Karen Esdale, while Fiona Mansfield's birthday is only a few days away.
Sharon Gray stayed away—probably to avoid the limelight—having celebrated hers a few days earlier.
Meanwhile, a bearded Neville "Puzzle" Riddle was back after a hectic two-week drive around northern South Australia, while Graeme "Mocha" Dunstan was preparing to leave the next day for five days of fishing in the Northern Territory.