2022 National Championships - Stage 1 Stars: Laura Cluxton

As part of our build up to the 2022 Bowls Scotland National Championships we spoke to Laura Cluxton from Alloa East End Bowling Club, who will compete in the visually impaired singles, to find out more about her bowling career and what she is looking forward to most about competing at Ayr.

Q: When did you start playing bowls and how did it come about?

A: I started playing bowls in January 2020 after I stepped back from competitive Paracycling. I had previously met Ron McArthur in 2014 when we were competing for Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and he had been encouraging to come and play ever since.

Q: What do you like most about playing bowls?

A: The thing I like most about playing bowls is the inclusivity of it, I can play visually impaired people, sighted people, men and women. It’s open to anybody. I also love being outside on a lovely sunny day, enjoying the sunshine and playing bowls makes me feel happy!

Q: Tell us more about your achievements in your cycling career and representing Scotland – do you aspire to reach similar heights in Bowls?

A: I have competed nationally and internationally and won medals in both track and road tandem cycling and one of my proudest moments and highlights of my career was competing for Team Scotland on my home track at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games.  I aspire to take my bowls to the highest level and compete for Team Scotland at future Commonwealth Games.

Q: As a member of our Empowering Women in Bowls group – Why would you encourage more women to try bowls as a sport?

A: I was delighted to be asked to join the Empowering Women in Bowls group. It’s great to meet a diverse group of people who are passionate about bowls from across Scotland. I want encourage woman of all ages to play bowls as it is a sport for everyone. There is lots of competition and skill involved as well as the great social aspect. The more women that get involved will help increase the focus and recognition woman's bowls deserves.

Q: What are you looking forward to most at Bowls Scotland’s 2022 National Championships?

This will be my first time competing at Bowls Scotland’s National Championships. I am looking forward to competing against and alongside Scotland’s top players. I really enjoy the buzz and excitement of a National champs and it will be a great experience for me.

We look forward to seeing Laura compete on the greens at Northfield later this month. If you are travelling to Northfield to compete or spectate, don’t forget to check out our FAQs and travel information.

For more information on our Empowering Women in Bowls group, click here.