Junior Bowlers Travel Over 400 Miles to Compete in Home Nations Competition
Twenty-four bowlers, all under the age of 25, are set to make the journey to Wales next month to compete in the annual home nation’s bowls competition which will take place on the 9th and 10th of September.
With players coming together from clubs all across Scotland there is sure to be a long journey ahead for some of these youngsters involved in the competition. Inverurie Bowling Club member and National Academy player, Jason Banks, will travel 464 miles to the competition in Llandrindod Wells, Wales, where he will be skipping for team mates Andrew Reilly (Westhill), Thomas Strachan (Airdrie Central) and James Wray (Polmaise).
A well-known name in junior bowls at only 21 years old, Jason has played in the British Isles Bowls Council (BIBC) competition 4 times already and recently won the Bowls Scotland Super Series Pairs competition with his dad Colin.
Speaking about the competition ahead Jason told us:
“It is always a pleasure and a privilege to represent Scotland. Having missed out on selection for the senior team this year, I am particularly pleased to retain my place in the junior team.”
Jason, who is part of the National Academy, added:
“There are some great opportunities within the sport including trips to the British Isles events like the junior series in Wales.
Some players also travel around the world to countries like New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong to compete against world class opposition.”
One of the eight New Caps and joining Jason in the squad is Regional Academy player, Lee Allen, who makes a three hour long journey to regular coaching sessions in Glasgow with West Regional Coach, Richard Glassford. Having shown his dedication to bowls, Lee was delighted when his hard work paid off when he was selected to represent Scotland at the junior competition.
He explained:
“I was obviously delighted when I got my letter saying I was selected to represent my country. Having previously trialled for the Scotland under-25 Squad since I was 16 I felt all my hard work had paid off and hopefully it will continue to pay off in the series at Llandrindod Wells and for future years.”
Speaking about his preparation in the lead up to the competition Lee added:
“In the lead up to the series I will have the Regional Academy competition on the 27th August then an Open Fours at Campbeltown Argyll Bowling Club on Saturday 2nd September. In between the weekend I will continue with club ties, so hopefully I'll be well prepared!”
With just over two weeks to go before the competition begins, like Lee, the players are preparing through practice sessions and local competitions. Having not won the competition in 5 years the squad are determined to finally bring back the trophy to Scottish soil and end the 2017 season on a high.
We wish all players in the team the very best of luck for the competition ahead.