Toby's Day On The Greens A Rolling Success

Illawarra Mercury

Friday December 19, 2008

By JOEL RITCHIE

FIVE-YEAR-OLD Toby Peters lays to rest, once and for all, the myth that bowls is only for old folks.

Toby, yet to start "big school", may be the youngest registered bowler in Australia.

The Flinders youngster took his first baby steps in competitive bowls at Shellharbour Bowling Club's Christmas day last Sunday.

There he teamed with proud-as-punch father Paul Peters and grandfathers Barry Peters and Steve Barrington.

Toby's lack of experience was no handicap; he drew a number of shots to help his team win.

The same foursome will take aim at Shellharbour's fours championship, which starts next month.

"Toby goes pretty good, we played him at second because he isn't used to rolling the jack yet," Paul Peters said.

"We won our game on Sunday, which was a bonus; if we got flogged it wouldn't have been as good. He could play this game for 70 or 80 years.

"A couple of times he drew the shot and there were 60 or 70 people on the green clapping him.

"Toby got a little overwhelmed and embarrassed, but I told him everyone was just trying to encourage him."

The five-year-old was accepted as a junior member at Shellharbour - and therefore eligible to play in the club's championships - a month ago.

Although he is financial until June, Paul said Toby would only play in the fours championship this coming season.

"Its a bit much for him to play pairs or singles just yet," Paul said.

Toby started bowls as soon as he could walk; his first roll on the greens at Shellharbour came when he was a tiny three-year-old, using his father's hefty size-four bowls.

Eighteen months ago, Paul bought Toby his own set of bowls: a set of size ones.

Paul also bought Toby the smallest Shellharbour Bowling Club shirt available, and after a quick alteration the top was ready to be worn.

Toby's bowls clobber is completed with a pair of kids Dunlop Volleys and cricket whites for pants.

His favourite bowler? Shell Cove's Karen Murphy, whose husband, Paul, will team with Paul Peters for Shellharbour's No 1 pennant squad next year.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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