Bright Future For The Game

Newcastle Herald

Thursday November 6, 2008

GR

SYNTHETIC surfaces may be gradually replacing grass but lawn bowls is alive and well in the Hunter.

What was once seen as an older person's sport is now attracting a flood of younger players.

Rob Robards believes the future looks bright.

The Hunter District and Zone 6 secretary, Mr Robards is also lawn bowls program co-ordinator with the Hunter Academy of Sport.

He said the closures and mergers of licensed clubs was more a reflection of the club industry than evidence that the sport was in decline.

"The influx of new, younger players is catching up with the natural attrition rate," Mr Robards said.

"This year, statewide, we've seen the smallest drop in membership for many years.

"Here in the Hunter it's been even better than that."

And that means more younger players are getting into the sport.

The 16-member Zone 6 representative side this year had an average age of 28.

Zone 6 stretches from Maitland to Merriwa, Wingham to Taree, Harrington to Morpeth.

"We've got lots of juniors coming on and, with the expertise offered by the development squad, clubs should be doing OK," Mr Robards said.

The Hunter Academy of Sport's development squad includes a range of talented players.

The squad is Jay Armstrong (Toronto Workers), Michael Abel (Swansea), Matthew Baus (Swansea), Haydn Bojkowski (Maitland City), Mitchel Capararo (East Maitland), Clinton Doust (Swansea), Jarrod Duncan (Bulahdelah), Daniel Hoffman (Telarah), Brodie Jobson (East Cessnock), Rebecca Matts (Maitland City), Hayden Russell (Belmont Sporties), Adrian Solomons (Lemon Tree Passage), James Twining (Beresfield), Sam Twining (Maitland City), Tim Twining (Maitland City), Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace), Sarah-Jane Vesenjak (Cardiff), Riley Wells (Maitland City), Josh Wilton (Maitland City) and Sam Wilton (Maitland City).

While the squad fosters player skills, the Royal NSW Bowling Association is set up to offer administrative assistance.

"The Royal is ready with accountants and others who can offer the guidance and help any club could need. Any of the assistance any club would need is there for the asking."

Advancements made in the production of artificial grass also bode well for the future.

"Clubs with only one green are switching over to synthetic surfaces and even clubs with three greens are making sure at least one of them is synthetic.

"A synthetic green doesn't need a qualified greenkeeper and the green can be played on all year round.

"The future of lawn bowls is looking very good."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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