INVERLEIGH’S Harry Coleman has returned from the Australian under-18 Bowls Championships with a gold and bronze medal after a successful tournament in the fours and triples formats.<\/p>\n
Held at the Devonport Country Club in Tasmania earlier this month, Coleman represented Victoria at the competition and won gold in the fours and bronze in the triples.<\/p>\n
Coleman, 15, was one of five selected in the state team after featuring in the under-18 tri-series between Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in Sunbury earlier this year.<\/p>\n
He expressed his excitement to be crowned a gold medallist, and credited his teammates for the impressive achievement.<\/p>\n
“It feels so awesome to know that I am a part of the best under-18 boys fours combination in Australia,” he said.<\/p>\n
“To win a gold medal at my first Australian Championships is so special and something I will always remember.<\/p>\n
“Both of my teams just vibed well on and off the green, everyone backed each other up and we never gave up, even if we were losing. We are also good friends and have played a lot of bowls together and against one another over the years.”<\/p>\n
Coleman is able to call Victorian bowling legend and Commonwealth bronze medallist Matthew Flapper – who coached the Victorian team at the Championships – both a friend and a mentor.<\/p>\n
“I had multiple coaches and support people, which included Matthew,” he said.<\/p>\n
“To have him as my coach is an absolute honour. Matt helped to keep us positive, to believe in ourselves and represent our state to the best of our ability.”<\/p>\n
After winning in trying Tasmanian conditions, Coleman learned valuable lessons of consistency and an ability to prevail in any circumstance, something he hoped will help him enjoy a sustained and successful bowling career.<\/p>\n
“You don’t have to be right next to the jack to get the shot,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Consistency in my bowls is important and that you have to be brave and play through every condition. Playing in Tassie last week tested us as across each of the four days, there was very strong winds, rain, sleet, cold and sunshine.<\/p>\n
“We had to keep trying our best and not let the weather conditions affect our performance.”<\/p>\n
Coleman was influenced to get into bowling by his parents, who also play, and has played for Inverleigh, Geelong and his present club, Deer Park. He enjoyed being able to represent both his home town and his local club.<\/p>\n
“It means a lot to represent my town and my club, but even more to put on one of the most well-known uniforms in the whole of Australia, the big V, and to win a gold medal. It means a lot to me,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It gives me the motivation to keep working hard to improve my bowls and continue to achieve my goals.”<\/p>\n
“I would like to thank my parents and coaches at Deer Park, especially Mark Casey OAM, Nathan Bush and Chris Green, all of my teammates and coaches over the years and all the support from everyone around Victoria.<\/p>\n
“I would also like to thank Barwon Sports Academy and also Henselite for their sponsorship and support in my bowls journey.”<\/p>\n
He aims to continue his career representing Victoria at a senior level, with his ultimate goal to play for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
INVERLEIGH’S Harry Coleman has returned from the Australian under-18 Bowls Championships with a gold and bronze medal after a successful tournament in the fours and triples formats. Held at the Devonport Country Club in Tasmania earlier this month, Coleman represented Victoria at the competition and won gold in the fours and bronze in the triples. […]<\/p>\n