Hopkinson returns in fine form

BY MICHELLE TAIT

HEATHER Hopkinson, also known as ‘H’, first started bowls in 1996 at Ballarat Bowling Club after watching her partner Rossco bowling outdoors for at least five years.

It took her another two years to start playing indoor bias bowls. In 1999 Hopkinson moved to play at Creswick for five years, playing with another Ballarat legend and friend Cherril Helmore.

Between 2006 and 2014 Hopkinson played at Central Wendouree and was one of the first women to play pennant on Saturdays representing Ballarat Bowling Club.

After taking a break because of health issues, Hopkinson returned to sport in 2017 winning Champion of Champions and taking all nine games at the Ballarat Intergroup Championships skipping the ladies fours.

During her early years Hopkinson said that Glenn Sargent was a great help to her and playing with Billy Seamons was instrumental in developing her own style. He helped her learn to read the heads, read her players and have a variety of shots available.

“Billy always made you think about every bowl and as a skip to be at least two bowls ahead in your own mind,” she said.

In 2002 Hopkinson was runner up at nationals in the mixed fours. In 2004 and 2006 she skipped the ladies fours to gold on both occasions. 2007 saw her win gold in the ladies triples.

In 2007 Hopkinson was asked to trial for the Australian Squad. Successful, she skipped the ladies fours and bought home a gold medal in the triples.

A highlight of her career was in 2009 When she was voted as team captain of the Australian squad. The event was held at Broken Hill and Australia came home with the trophy.

Hopkinson said that as the nationals are being held in Ballarat next year, we should be doing more to promote the event and get more locals involved in this sport.