By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
ROLLING against the tide, Keysborough Bowls Club is entering an innovation-rich renaissance.
While many clubs are struggling or folding, this group has grown by more than 30 this season.
It has broadened its reach to the young, teaching the game’s finer arts to students as part of Keysborough College’s curriculum.
Barefoot bowls – with upbeat music and a sausage sizzle – is building a following on Friday nights, with a possible darts club off-shoot in the wings.
President Kevin Deer said a lot of the college students from diverse nationalities had grown to love the game, much to the surprise of some of the less sporty participants.
“It’s not just learning the skills but learning how to organise a game.
“They learn to work as a team and they have to work out different strategies on how to beat an opponent.
“They usually give us two or three years as teenagers, then start going on dates.”
However, several of the latest 40-strong crop of bowls students will be sticking on as pennant match players.
The 140-member, nine pennant-team club has been further buttressed by a recent council-funded redevelopment.
This comprises a synthetic green which allows for winter games, and a large, shady verandah in front of the clubrooms and near the bar.
