Right: Ray Johnstone says Noble Park Bowls Club has been boosted by an influx of younger bowlers.By Shaun Inguanzo
A COMICAL look at Australian lawn bowls has attracted a growing number of young people to the sport.
So say Noble Park Bowls Club members, who were actively recruiting junior bowlers at last Sunday’s Noble Park Community Expo.
Club members Tony Anderson and Ray Johnstone said the film Crackerjack, starring Mick Molloy, put lawn bowls into the mainstream. The pair was even giving away stickers which read, Lawn Bowls: A Crackerjack Game.
Mr Johnstone said Noble Park rode the wave of Crackerjack’s success and implemented a junior development program.
The program involves Mr Johnstone visiting local schools and promoting the sport to primary and secondary schoolchildren.
“The average age of bowlers at Noble Park Bowls Club is 40,” he said.
“At other clubs that age is a lot higher. Most members are retired.”
The club has two junior bowlers who play pennant competition.
“We have an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old playing pennant on Saturdays, playing in division eight,” Mr Johnstone said.
“On the basis of how one is playing I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in division three before the end of the year.”
But it is not only children who are becoming involved with the sport.
Noble Park Bowls Club is encouraging people of all ages to attend its family open day on Sunday, 22 October between 9am and 4pm to try lawn bowls in a friendly environment.
For more information contact Ray Johnstone on 9798 2917 or on 9562 3182.
