Young bowler to play interstate comp

A TWELVE-year old lawn bowler is set to represent Victoria as part of the School Sports Australia 18 and Under National Lawn Bowls Championships in Tweed Heads next week.

Inverleigh’s Harry Coleman will be one of about 30 players to compete at the event in New South Wales from Tuesday to Thursday next week.

Taking part in the championships for the second year in a row as part the School Sports 2023 program, Coleman said he’s excited to return.

“I’m looking forward to playing a different role,” he said. “Last year I was mostly leading and then this year I’m probably going to either skip or play thirds.

“Skipping is where you have the last two bowls in the team. Thirds is where you’re called to play all kinds of shots instead of drawing.”

This year’s competition will feature two state teams of 15 players each, representing New South Wales and Victoria.

Normally bowling either in Geelong or Inverleigh, Coleman is currently part of the Geelong Giants under 18s, and is coached by former Commonwealth Games competitor Matt Flapper.

Harry’s father Mark is a longtime coach as well as Bowls Australia’s regional bowls manager.

He said his son’s participation in the championships will be a massive boost to his development.

“Coming up against the best from New South Wales is definitely going to improve his game,” he said.

“They had a session the other day at Sunbury where he found out he’ll be playing in triples and fours against their top players.”