Burger, Milkshake, Tennis and Bowls

From Wimbledon tennis to Great Yarmouth Bowls…

I read something in the news a couple of weekends ago that made me think about how much has changed over the years. The whole theme was about Wimbledon tennis and in particular about the role of the first ball boys when they were introduced many years ago. In addition to managing the supply and collection of tennis balls they were expected to light the tennis players cigarettes between games! Can you imagine?

“Putting the offside rule to one side for a moment…”

I could relate to that as some years ago when we were organising, sponsoring and fielding a team in a charity soccer shield we also took our participation, competitive spirit and training seriously. So much so, that one of our team stars was on the pitch during a training session with a Big Mac (there are other burgers) in one hand and a milkshake in the other. Like all the truly professional strikers he then waited by the goal mouth, keeping the goalkeeper company even though the majority of his energy was required to draw the thick milk shake through the straw. Of course, any energy he did have left was required to chew and digest his burger. Putting the offside rule to one side for a moment, hanging around the opponents’ goal in expectation for the ball to drop right at his feet to enable him to participate actively in the game with the occasional timely goal may be a reasonable technique. However, the greatest flaw in our hero’s technique (bearing in mind he was one of our better players) was he was hanging around his own goal.

“I can’t remember the last time I was told I didn’t look old enough”

On the subject of change, a couple of weekends ago I had the great pleasure to see a sport played with dedication, skill and true professionalism. I was in Great Yarmouth for our annual bowls tournament. When I checked in to the guest house on the Saturday evening prior to the tournament, the landlady asked if my visit was for business or pleasure. I said I was there for the bowls and she immediately said “You don’t look old enough!” Family, friends and colleagues please note: I have at least two witnesses to this statement;-) Things have long since changed for bowls and as far back as I can remember there have been young players, but sadly it is still commonly regarded as an old persons’ game. This is a real shame as this attitude makes it extremely difficult for our aspiring county and national players to achieve the recognition and sponsorship they need and deserve to help them become world champions.

I don’t think there are too many opportunities for young bowlers to play in tournaments specifically aimed at their age groups. This is exactly why I became involved by sponsoring a dedicated Astro annual competition which has now been running for around 15 years. In the past eight years’ we have also sponsored the under 25s competition in the Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls, this takes place in August.

“The dedication and skill of the young players never ceases to amaze me…”

The Astro Tournament is split into two age groups – under 15’s and under 25’s. The dedication and skill of the young players never ceases to amaze me. The competitors battled on through an assortment of sunshine and torrential rain showers and were not letting the weather detract from their game. Each round was decided by the first player to 15 shots and some of the players were so well matched they managed to battle it out taking a shot each in alternate games bringing the game to a nail biting finish.

“In March this year Daniel beat the World Champion…”

The winner of the Astro Cup under 25 tournament this year was Daniel Seabourne. Daniel is ambitious and is a great ambassador for his sport. I am sure he has the dedication, desire and drive to achieve his ambitions. His aim is to compete for his country in The Commonwealth Games Outdoors and at Potters World Bowls Indoors. Daniel has just turned 17 and is already making good progress. In addition to winning our competition he has already represented Norfolk at both junior and senior level and has just been selected to represent England in his International indoor bowls debut in The British Isles Series in October this year in Fife, Scotland. In March this year Daniel won a Planet Bowls tournament at Boston in Lincolnshire beating the current World Champion, Greg Harlow. All in all, a great start for someone with his sights set on competing on a world stage.