Helensvale trio to target Delhi gold

BRETT Wilkie is just steps from the pinnacle of his lawn bowling career after he was named to make his first appearance at the Commonwealth Games in October.

But the journey will be complete if Wilkie can cap his dream debut by helping Australia to gold in the men's triples in Delhi and add a Commonwealth Games title to the World Champion of Champions singles crown he secured last year.

On a huge day for the Helensvale Bowls Club, Wilkie will join 2006 gold medallists and men's triples teammate Mark Casey and women's pairs member Lynsey Armitage as the only Queensland bowlers in the 12-person team for Delhi.

"This is the pinnacle for me, I've worked hard for a lot of years and been on the fringe for a lot of years," said Wilkie of his selection.

"This is the biggest thing for me that I've been involved in and I can't wait to join the other guys and help them try and defend the title."

"But it's also so wonderful that the club can have three representative and hopefully we can return with some strong results and make them proud."

Married last weekend at Robina Woods, Casey's return to national duties comes as a reward for his patience after the 28-year-old was sensationally dumped from the team in 2008, with selectors saying it was to bring through new talent.

"He has worked his way back in there after a break," said Wilkie, who was groomsman at Casey's wedding.

"I'm really happy for him because we are good friends and we have played alongside each other for a long time now."

While it will mark a first Games for Wilkie, who turns 36 on Saturday, it will be yet another major tournament for Armitage, who at 26 has already turned out 146 times for Australia.

Despite going into Delhi without her partner from 2006, Karen Murphy, Armitage was excited and fired up to take it to their rivals with 19-year-old NSW teenager Natasha Van Eldik.

"The first time I was blown away to make it and this time I had been playing well in the lead-up, and while I wasn't expecting it, I was confident," said Armitage of her selection.

"I'm just glad I have the chance to defend my gold medal."

Australia's Commonwealth Games team:

MEN, singles: Leif Selby, 37, (St Johns Park, NSW). Pairs: Mark Berghofer, 25, (St Johns Park, NSW), Aron Sherriff, 24, (Halekulani, NSW).
Triples: Brett Wilkie, 35, (Club Helensvale, Qld), Wayne Turley, 37, (Taren Point, NSW), Mark Casey, 28, (Club Helensvale, Qld)

WOMEN: singles: Kelsey Cottrell, 20, (St Johns Park, NSW). Pairs: Lynsey Armitage, 26, (Club Helensvale, Qld), Natasha Van Eldik, 19, (Raymond Terrace, NSW). Triples: Sharyn Renshaw, 48, (St Johns Park, NSW), Claire Duke, 26, (Cabramatta, NSW), Julie Keegan, 45, (St Johns Park, NSW)