Sport
3 February, 2023
Over and under
BLAKE Smyth has had the ideal debut in pennant bowls. With father Dave, the 14-year-old East Loddon student was a “fill-in” for Inglewood’s division five team in Saturday’s Bendigo playing area encounter against Campbells Creek. Blake played...
BLAKE Smyth has had the ideal debut in pennant bowls.
With father Dave, the 14-year-old East Loddon student was a “fill-in” for Inglewood’s division five team in Saturday’s Bendigo playing area encounter against Campbells Creek.
Blake played the lead position in Arthur Harrison’s rink that scored a 27-11 victory and helped propel Inglewood to match-day honours and a return to top position on the ladder.
Arthur has been mentoring Blake who said he enjoys the friendship and atmosphere of the Inglewood club.
A regular in the Bridgewater junior cricket lineup, Blake said it had taken time to switch from bowling overarm to the underarm style of lawn bowls.
“It was difficult getting used to it for a while but you always practice,” he said.
Robert Stranger and father Dave completed the winning week. “It’s really good playing with Dad, spending more time with him ... strengthening the bond,” Blake said.
Blake’s interest in lawn bowls stemmed from watching family friend Wade Roberts play on the Inglewood greens.
“I decided to have a go and ended up loving it ... the game, the people, the club ... and my Christmas present was a set of bowls,” he said. “I’m always learning about the game and Arthur is a great mentor.”
And when he’s not playing cricket or lawn bowls, Blake is helping his parents at their Inglewood cafe.