Cait Bassett was last week named in the New Zealand Bowls Development Squad.A long-term goal to represent her country at the highest possible level is driving Cait Bassett to succeed on the greens.

The former Ashburton-based 21-year-old, who now plays her bowls out of the Burnside club in Christchurch, was last week named in the New Zealand Bowls Development Squad for the second time.

Despite having had a taste of it before, and having also represented New Zealand at under 19 level, Bassett said the feeling of getting the phone call to confirm her selection is something that can never be matched.

“It was pretty exciting, it’s an honour to be named to represent your country,” she said.

“I had no idea if I was going to be selected or not.

“I haven’t played as much bowls this season as what I normally do so I wasn’t really sure, but when they rang and told me it was a pretty awesome feeling.”

14 players were selected in the squad with a final squad of 10 to be chosen to head to the Gold Coast in Australia in June – another achievement Bassett is obviously keen to tick off.

“I’ve been over to Australia and played before, so I’ll be doing everything I can to try and make sure I’m one of those selected to go over and play.”

The former Ashburton College student is juggling her bowling commitments with a new job, having just finished a three-year course in patisserie and is now working full-time as a pastry chef at Christchurch Casino.

“I started there as kitchen hand last year and when I finished my course I began working as a pastry chef.

“I love it, it’s going really well.”

While she creates delectable delights each day, Bassett is still thinking about bowls and what she wants to achieve.

As a New Zealand representative already, there’s only one other goal left to tick off and that is to make the Black Jacks squad.

“That’s the ultimate, to make the top team would be something really special.

“I’ve got a bit of a goal to be in the team playing for New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

“That’s what I’m working towards and hopefully if I can keep producing results and perform well in the Development Team then I might be able to get there.”

Two of Bassett’s best friends, Katelyn Inch and Tayla Bruce, are members of the Black Jacks side and seeing them and enjoying their success is a real motivator.

“To play for New Zealand with two of my best friends would be great.

“Watching them and learning and taking in as much as I can from them has been really good for my game.”

With the final squad selection still a while away, Bassett will be out on the bowling greens as much as she can in an effort to try and impress the national selectors.

She will get a chance at a national level when the Burnside Women’s 7s side head to the national interclub finals later this month for a shot at national glory.

By Matt Markham © The Ashburton Guardian - 7 February 2017