Young bowler rolls to the top

A RISING star on the lawn bowls scene, Bailee Randell is the latest scholarship recipient in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year award.

Earlier in July, Randell represented Victoria at under-18s level for the first time in a tri-series against New South Wales and Queensland.

Randell and his team-mates marked a clean sweep of all three trophies in the inaugural event at Cabramatta.

A pennant player with Bendigo East Magpies and also a member of the Bendigo Dragons squad, Randell was one of six debutantes in the Victorian under-18 team.

In the battle for overall honours, Victoria won 25 of 40 matches.

The Vics ended on 75 points to take the title from Queensland, 20 won, 17 lost, three drawn and the NSW Blues, 12 won, 25 lost, three drawn.

The boys’ race ended in Victoria on top spot on 12 won, eight lost, 36 points.

Victorian’s coaching group was Matt Flapper, Steph Priest, Josh Thornton and Pat Schram.

The tri –series involved 48 of the country’s best under-18 players in a variety of bowls disciplines.

Matches also played a key part in selection of Victoria’s team to contest the under-18 nationals in October in Western Australia.

Although he missed out on selection for the nationals, Randell’s experience from the tri-series will be invaluable in the lead-up to many more matches on the greens close to home or further afield.

As a scholarship recipient, Randell is in the running for the Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund to be announced at the Sports Star gala night in February.

Scholarship recipients also receive a 12-month membership at D-Club 24/7 Fitness in Bendigo’s Bath Lane.