Spain trip for Games bowlers

The squad go into battle with South Africa and Scotland – two counties that will have their eyes fixed on medals in the New Delhi showpiece.

Following Northern Ireland’s display in the Eight Nations tournament in India – on the actual Commonwealth synthetic greens – back in April, Baker approaches the Spanish test filled with optimism.

“This is ideal preparation,” insists Baker. “We will again be competing on artificial surfaces against top opposition.

“The temperatures will also be similar to what we can expect in New Delhi.

“We will be playing with different bowls, more suitable to the synthetic greens, so it will be an invaluable couple of days.”

Gary Kelly will again spearhead the challenge, featuring in the singles discipline.

The Ballymoney man was desperately disappointed not to be among the medals in the Eight Nations event – after completing his section matches undefeated.

It was a similar story in the pairs and triples. Portrush duo Ian McClure and Gary McCloy finished in fourth position, while Paul Daly, Marty McHugh and Neil Booth narrowly missed out on a bronze medal.

“We can take great heart from our display in India – against the top seven nations in the world,” added Baker.

“The lads again showed they are capable of competing with the best.

“This competition in Spain will be another rung on the ladder in terms of our preparation for the Games.

“Things have been going well and it will give the boys another opportunity of playing away from home in a different climate and conditions.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland ladies team will also be in action.

Ballymena duo, Donna McCloy – wife of Gary – and Jennifer Dowds will feature in the pairs, with Sandra Bailie (Knock), Ewarts’ Mandy Cunningham and Barbara Logue, from Ballymoney, competing in the triples.

Northern Ireland, of course, will not have a representative in the Commonwealth singles, so Paula Montgomery, from NICS, has been drafted in to the squad for the Spanish trip.

Ireland men: Singles: Gary Kelly (Ballymoney). Pairs: I McClure (Portrush), G McCloy (Portrush). Triples: P Daly (Ulster Transport), M McHugh (Whitehead), N Booth (Old Bleach).

Women: P Montgomery (Northern Ireland Civil Service). Pairs: D McCloy (Ballymena), J Dowds (Ballymena). Triples: S Bailie (Knock), M Cunningham (Ewarts), B Logue (Ballymoney).