The Kids Got Bowls!!

One rainy evening in October, just as we had started our indoor season and were re-acquainting ourselves with long lost teammates and fast carpets, three likely lads strayed in from the rain. They were all teenagers and they stood and watched us for a few minutes before one youngster asked if anyone could have a go. So, I told them to kick off their shoes, I grabbed some spare bowls and one of our under 25’s who was lounging at the bar, and got them all started on a spare rink.

They played for about an hour and it was pretty obvious that there was one in the group who was very interested as he listened to our under 25 star who explained line, delivery, mat laying, jack casting and some of the things that beginners need to know.

After an hour they all disappeared except for the one 14 year old, who stayed on to watch us all again. He also turned up every night for the next week for a ‘practice’.

Since then this lad has been sponsored for his membership and his rink fees, he’s been bought his shoes and bowls by his Dad. Other members have given him measures, towels, chalk etc., and within a couple of weeks he was completely kitted out with whites and greys, and a bowls bag for all this new equipment, most of which was bought in the bowls shop at TLH Leisure Resort.

This youngster is now a ‘super–sub’ playing when any team needs a player in the evening leagues. He has played in several friendly games and has also played in the John Parrot and Wessex League. He is so keen and so eager to do well, he even sits by the green in the evening if he is not playing, and keeps the scorecards for the teams that are. His parents are delighted he has an interest but perhaps do get concerned when we are sitting in the corner doing his homework whilst he plays bowls.

He is so keen to progress that he has even asked to be involved in the School of Excellence that is to be held at ISCA in February.

I am sure that this young man will develop into a very good bowler – and later, perhaps in a couple of years we will all be reading about him. That is my prediction.

But what I really want to say, is a huge thank you to my club, and the wonderful members who have sponsored and encouraged this young man. In a time when human nature is set for self-preservation I applaud you all for the consideration, encouragement and expertise you have given to this one individual. Torquay United IBC, you should be proud of yourselves.

That’s all folks

Dru Close