Black Jacks saga ends with peace off greens

EXCLUSIVE: Commonwealth Games lawn bowls prospect Shannon McIlroy has made peace with the team-mate who gave evidence against him during the Asia-Pacific match-fixing saga.

Experienced Black Jack Val Smith signed an affidavit alleging McIlroy told her the Gary Lawson-skipped New Zealand four never intended to win the game against Thailand that was under investigation.

It formed part of the evidence presented to a Bowls New Zealand judicial committee that found the players guilty of throwing an end against Thailand at last year's Asia Pacific tournament in Malaysia.

The players were fined and suspended. On Friday, the Sport Tribunal said in a statement that the players and Bowls New Zealand had resolved their dispute.

Under the agreement, the four players – McIlroy, Lawson, Jamie Hill and Shayne Sincock – withdrew their appeal to the Sports Tribunal and Bowls New Zealand agreed to waive the penalties.

"Val and I have settled our differences," McIlroy told Sunday News. "I was disappointed and hurt by what she did but it has always been my goal to make the Commonwealth Games team.

"I knew that we would have to clear the air at some stage. We both play for Nelson so it's difficult to avoid each other.

"I'm just relieved it's all over and I am back in with a chance of making the Games team.

"The basis of any good sporting team is having trust between the players and building that culture. I know I need to play my part in that."

Although all three players will miss the upcoming Eight Nations tournament in Delhi, India, next month, they have been reinstated in the high-performance programme and are eligible for selection for the games.

Lawson has made himself unavailable and will reassess his future in the sport at the start of next season.

"The details of the mediation have to remain confidential," Lawson said. "Everyone can now move on. I am pleased the other players now have the chance of making the Commonwealth Games team. Aside from a world championship medal, this is the pinnacle for every bowler."

It is expected the team for the Commonwealth Games will be named by the end of April.

Insiders have told Sunday News McIlroy and Hill – because of his expertise on artificial surfaces – will be part of it, with one source suggesting McIlroy could be named in the men's singles.

"I don't care whether I play singles, pairs or triples," McIlroy said. "For the past two years, my focus has been on making the team and, hopefully, bringing back a medal."

Bowls NZ has already acknow- ledged that if any of the players were selected there would need to be some sort of reconciliation process, particularly as Black Jacks coach Dave Edwards was regarded by the judicial committee as a more credible witness than any of the players.

"When the team gets back from India next month there's likely to be couple of training camps either before or after the Commonwealth Games squad is announced," McIlroy said. "I realise I probably need to make the first move and approach Dave. I like him as a person but obviously these charges and this whole process has strained our relationship."

Although details of the settlement remain confidential between both parties, it looks like Lawson took a hit for his team-mates.

"I have a lot to thank Gary for," McIlroy said. "It was obvious if this dragged on none of us would be going to the Commonwealth Games. In many ways, he's made it possible for the rest of us to go. I certainly won't forget that."

- © Fairfax NZ News