LODDON Vale Indoor Bowls Club has played host to the Hampshire Junior School of Excellence.
More than 30 young bowlers from across the county, all aged under-18 were divided into two age groups of under-15s and under-18s, overall champions going on to represent Hampshire at the Regional School of Excellence at Horsham Bowling Club, Surrey, in April.
A morning of three round robin games for every player was played with three bowls. The games were seven ends each and revealed both excellent bowling and sportsmanship from such young players.
The round robin champion in the under-15 section was Austen Coleman from Banister Park, Southampton, while Nicole Rogers from Loddon Vale was second. In the under-18 competition Danny Smith, from Portsmouth’s Victory came out on top just ahead of Loddon’s Kieren Moxon.
In the afternoon the players undertook a range of skills including jack rolling, line bowling, beat the shot and controlled weight.
A total of 96 points was available and there was everything to play for. The under-15 skills champion proved to be Coleman, just ahead of Loddon pair Ashley Nethercliffe and Rogers.
The under-18s saw a three way tie for the title between Loddon Vale’s Ross Jones and Moxon, along with Danny Smith from Victory.
Points from the two competitions were added together to find the four highest scorers to contest the semi-final and final and find the overall champions. Ray Harris, this year’s sponsor, presented the Ray Harris Trophy for the overall under-18 champions – Smith ahead of Moxon.
The Elaine Harris Trophy for the overall under-15 champion was presented to Rogers with Coleman runner-up. All four will now go forward to represent Hampshire at the Regional School of Excellence.
The event was well supported by county bowls officials, parents, guests, families and supporters, and members of Loddon Vale.
England player Margaret Holden, together with England singles champion Tom Bishop and ex-world junior champion Claire (Spreadbury) Flannigan presented certificates and stickers to all competitors.
The round robin and skills trophies were presented by Bowls Hampshire President Ken Graham and more than 20 coaches from across the county were involved in ensuring the smooth running of the day.
Next year’s Hampshire Junior School of Excellence will be held at Palmerston in Fareham.
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