DALE STUDENT BOWLS THEM OUT
GRADE 11 Dale College pupil, Josh Turner has found a new love – bowls.
Turner, who started playing the sport in 2016, has progressed rapidly, so much so that he has been selected to represent Border at an U30 national bowls tournament in Pietermaritzburg in September.
He has also been invited to join the Border EZ squad, which is aimed at grooming young up-and-coming bowlers in the region.
The U30 team will be captained by Tarquin Ormston, with Conrad Potgieter (third), Tyler Pitcher (second) with Josh at lead.
Earlier this year, Josh, Pitcher, Ethan Grunewald, and Andrew Lentz walked away with silver at the annual U20 National Bowls Tournament staged in Bloemfontein.
Josh, who also plays squash, water polo, and soccer for the Dale first teams as well as lock or hooker for the school’s third rugby team, said he was proud to have been selected for the Border U30 team.
“I think the team is a strong one which can go all the way,” he said.
He said: “Generally people don’t expect new bowlers to do well, but if one regularly practises and plays in competitions, they can improve their game.”
“I try and train between three and four times a week along with Ethan and Andrew and when we play tabs-in we all learn something new from the more experienced bowlers,” he said.
Both Ethan and Andrew were happy at Josh’s Border selection.
Asked why they had taken up the sport, Ethan said: “When I play I forget about everything and just concentrate on the game.”
Andrew, who is in Grade 10, said: “You can’t really compare bowls with other sports as there’s no running around.
“A lot of concentration is needed and one has to be precise with every shot.”
Both players said they loved the sport and would play for as long as they could.
Josh said he would like to thank the King Bowling Club members for all their support.
“Without the club I would not be where I am and I encourage other youngsters to take up the sport.”