With 20 year old Camron Horo (Taranaki) selected in the Blackjacks team to play in the Nations Cup in Malaysia, we are shining a light on a few of the many young players who are strongly making their mark in a variety of championships around the country.

All of these youngsters are making significant impacts on the game with their skilful and composed performances. In the Southland Centre, 14 year old Zoe Beck, was part of the team that won the Southland Mixed Pairs in December.

In the Dunedin Centre, the McEwan brothers, Lachie (10) and Jordan (13) are making every post a winner. In the recently completed Summerset Nationals both of them, with their partners, were successful in winning through several post section rounds in the Men’s Pairs event. Lachie made it through to the last 16 while Jordan was eliminated in the round of 32. Jordan has continued with his fine form and after knocking Dad Brent out in the QF of the Dunedin Centre’s Open Men’s Singles competition he will play the experienced Marty Kreft in the final. A remarkable achievement already.

Another notable achievement at the Summerset Nationals also occurred when Southland’s Zoe Beck teamed up with 16 year old Lily Signal (Wellington) to qualify for post section play. Not too bad with an average age of 15.

Finally, the Wellington Centre are having their own say in developing young players. In Open Centre Events, players under the age of 21 can play together in teams under a Rangatahi entry despite being members of different clubs. This exciting format has occurred for two years. Other Centres may wish to adopt this development option. The Bowls Wellington General Manager, Blake Signal, would welcome any queries about this structure.

This format has already been successful with the outstanding results achieved by a Rangatahi team in this years Open Women’s Fours. The team pictured above of Lily Signal, Neveah Hickey (16), Mia Cavie (13) and Archita Ramesh (16) lost the final 20-14 to a team skipped by the Wellington Legend Paula Meredith. On their way to the final they had also beaten an experienced team skipped by the accomplished Kennie Critchlow.

All of these results emphasise the exciting development of the young players and their impact on our game. Congratulations to them all and all the supporters who help them enjoy the game and display their talents. If you have youngsters also leading the way in your areas, please celebrate them by sharing their successes with us - website@bowlsnewzealand.co.nz