Hey Jay... hows it going?
I have competed in the I competed in the Intercentre cup challenge at the nationals for the last two years, and It is a great way of giving the up and coming bowlers a taste of 5 man team action, as they get older they try out (as i did) for the Presidents sheild team, there are battle chants, team bonding and everything that comes with President Sheild, but for the small bowlers... however
I find the format alittle unfair, yes we (the team i was in Southgate) made the finals both times and even won it in 2000, if you have a high average team, you will have little to no chance of winning because the little kids and there 99 handicaps. Now I know its a good system but I say get some little kids to bowl with you so you have a chance.
I also propose a new 5 my team comp for the 2003 nationals, A scratch Intercentre cup. As well as the Normal Incentre cup so the gap between centre and state representation is bridged even further, and it would be fairer to the high average teams, so the little kids and small juniours (10-14, up to 150 average) can have there chance at glory and also with the scratch intercentre, the better bowlers and older bowlers (15-18, 151 average +) who didnt make a sheild team can battle it out for a national trophey as well.
Its just an Idea, but whatever you do, good luck.