Is there a more idyllic social sport in summer than bowls?
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Nothing beats watching the sun set on an afternoon while rolling a few bowls along the lawn.
While bowls has long been associated with older participants, Benalla Bowls Club junior development officer Ian Hobson said it was a perfect sport for the young and the restless.
“Over the past three years, I’ve witnessed something truly remarkable: the life-changing impact of lawn bowls on young people,” Hobson said.
“What started out as simple lessons on the essentials of the game quickly turned into a transformative journey of growth and development.
“These young people have gained more than just basic bowling skills; they’ve witnessed their own personal development and walked away with renewed confidence.
“The transformation was so profound that these boys were able to compete effortlessly in multiple weekend pennant seasons.
“And if that wasn’t impressive enough, they’re now gearing up to play at an even higher level this season.”
Local youngsters Alex Briggs and Maddie Marin played for the Goulburn Murray under-18 Devils squad in a recent competition at Sunbury.
Their teams finished third and fourth, respectively.
Many juniors attended the competition from around the state.
Jack Berry played in the Benalla Bowls Club’s five-a-side tournament this month, with his team taking out the win.
Lawn bowls is a fantastic respite from an often hectic outside world.
It is the perfect sport for children looking for relaxed competition and to make new friends.
Lawn bowls also offer families the opportunity to create and share unforgettable memories.
As one of the few sports where all abilities can get involved, lawn bowls is an ideal bonding experience that unites families.
Hobson says watching people fall in love with the sport is a pleasure.
“From the newfound confidence of these young boys to the joy and connection that lawn bowls have brought to countless families, it’s clear that this beloved sport deserves a special place in everyone’s hearts,” he said.
The club has worked with the local school’s sports education department to introduce students to bowls and is keen to work with more schools in the future.
The Benalla Bowls Club has an established young bowlers’ program, and interested participants can contact the club or Ian Hobson for more information.
Coaching is on offer, and the club will supply equipment and uniforms free of charge through this program.
Junior membership is $10.
The Benalla Bowls Club will also begin barefoot bowls on Fridays from 5.30pm on October 20.
The structure of this event is called Scroungers Bowls.
This simple game will run over six weeks and is based on the individual’s score, not on a team effort.
Experienced bowlers will explain all aspects of the game on the night and assist newcomers.
Prize vouchers will go to the three highest scorecards.
Everyone who plays, regardless of age, goes into a draw to win a pizza oven.
This prize will be drawn on November 24 at 7pm.
The winner will be contacted if not present at the draw.
Entry for Scroungers Bowls is $10 per adult (over 14 years). Children under 14 play for free.
Entry includes $10 worth of tickets in the Friday night raffle and a complimentary bar voucher for each player.
The bistro is open from 5.30pm until 8pm.
Family participation is welcome, and juniors are encouraged to play.