Australia were the dominant team at the Gold Coast Multi-nations tournament ©Bowls Australia

Australia dominated the finals of the Gold Coast Multi-nations tournament at the Broadbeach Bowls Club in a competition that was a test event for next year's Commonwealth Games in the city. 

The tournament illustrated Australia’s depth of talent. 

The country was forced to field a second string line-up after only seven acceptances from top players to compete in the event were received.

The two home-grown teams, dubbed "Australia Gold" and "Australia Green", won three gold medals apiece,

New Zealand won the remaining two.

Other competing nations were Canada, Hong Kong China, Malaysia, Scotland and Wales,

World champions Karen Murphy and Shannon McIlroy from Australia and New Zealand were among the winners at the Gold Coast Multi-nations tournament ©World Bowls
World champions Karen Murphy and Shannon McIlroy from Australia and New Zealand were among the winners at the Gold Coast Multi-nations tournament ©World Bowls

Reigning world champions from Christchurch last December, Shannon McIlroy from New Zealand and Australian Karen Murphy, came up with gold in the blue ribbon singles competition.

They defeated world number ones Alex Marshall from Scotland and New Zealand’s Jo Edwards respectively.

Australia also enjoyed success in the Para-sport component of the event, a qualifying tournament for Gold Coast 2018.

The vision-impaired mixed pairs combination of Lynne Seymour and Jake Fehlberg triumphed against Scotland 22-10.

Tony Bonnell, Ken Hanson and Chris Flavel were victorious against New Zealand 20-13 in the bowlers with a disability open triples.