Ireland selectors have wielded the axe for next month’s Women’s Home International Series at Stanley Bowls Club.
Chloe Watson, a 15 year old, is one of six new faces in the team that will go into action against the might of England, Scotland and Wales.
The Comber girl is joined by is joined by her Belfast Stadium colleagues, Helen Wilson and Ciara Maher, who will also make their debut.
They will be joined by Pauline Telford and Liz White from the County Antrim club, and Penny Johnston (Ballybrakes Community Stadium).
Belfast’s Breige Donnelly and Marie McCord (County Antrim) have earned a recall.
“Chloe certainly deserves her chance,” said Ireland manager Coleen Cochrane, who is taking charge for the first time since 2009.
“She has progressed through the Under-18 and Under-25 teams and now gets her chance at senior level at only 15 years of age.”
Even though the Irish produced a creditable performance in Swansea last season, the selectors decided to ring the changes.
Ireland, under the leadership of Vera McCourt 12 months ago, were beaten by only three shots by Wales . . . and lost out to Scotland by 11. But they consumed a horrible drubbing by England.
“The selectors decided to freshen up things,” added the manager.
“Even though we didn’t win a game, it certainly wasn’t one of our worst performances.
“Obviously, we are hoping the changes will have the desired effect.”
Telford, McCord and Donnelly will form a new rink, with Wilma Adair at lead.
Johnston and Maher are drafted at lead and second in Dessa Baird’s combination.
White will play lead for Ann Craig, with Wilson and Watson handed a similar role in the rinks skipped by Sarah Jane Coleman and Sandra Bailie.
Unfortunately, a new sponsorship deal by Stanley Council deprived Ireland the opportunity of hosting the event this season.
“We were looking forward to it, but the British Isles Indoor Council have agreed to keep the tournament at Stanley for the next three years,” added the Irish boss.
“It means we’ll be hit with extra expense, in terms of travel and hotel accommodation over that period, which is disappointing.
“But we will just have to get on with it and hopefully we can put on a good performance,” she added.
The women’s internationals and British Isles Championships will be staged in tandem with the men’s tournament, from Friday-Wednesday, March 8-13.
Ireland
Rink one: A McClelland (BCIBC), P Calvin (BCIBC), A McKillop (BCIBC), J Dowds (BCIBC).
Rink two: W Adair (CAIBC), P Telford (CAIBC), M McCord (CAIBC), B Donnelly, (BIBC).
Rink three: P Johnston (BCIBC), C Maher (BIBC), A Elliott (BCIBC), D Baird (BCIBC).
Rink four: H Wilson (BIBC), L Bruce (BIBC), S McAuley (CAIBC), SJ Coleman (CAIBC).
Rink five: L White (CAIBC), R Hughes (BIBC), M McHugh (CAIBC), A Craig (CAIBC).
Rink six: C Watson (BIBC), K Woodside (BIBC), C Eadie (BIBC), S Bailie (BIBC).
Reserve: B Leckey (BIBC).
British Isles Championships: Singles: M Wilkinson (CAIBC).
Pairs: H Wilson, L Bruce (BIBC).
Triples: K Woodside, C Eadie, S Bailie (BIBC).
Fours: K Woodside, J Bell, C Eadie, S Bailie (BIBC).
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