They’ve sampled bowls... and now they’re on a roll

Jul 1 2009 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

LOCAL children were honoured for their sporting prowess at the West of Scotland Bowling Club.

St Bride’s and Bankhead primary six pupils were completing their first season of the scheme which is encouraging young people to become more active in the sport.

And they received certificates for their exemplary efforts over the course of the term.

Councillor Gordon Clarke was on hand to congratulate the youngsters at the special end-of-season event at the bowling club.

He said: “It’s a wonderful initiative and the kids have enjoyed it very much.

“A big thank-you to Tracy Devlin for all the time she has put in and to all the coaches at the club.

“It is evident all the kids have really enjoyed themselves.”

He also praised the coaches who put in so much time to help the children adapt to the sport, and was surprised at how much the kids had progressed.

He added: “The coaches have managed to teach the kids to play to a high level.

“They’ve been working really hard to get their certificates and they really deserve it.

“There’s a lot of talent sitting in this room today and we might be looking at a few future champions.

“We are looking at the bowlers of the future and a big credit goes to all the schools for taking part.”

Manager of the West of Scotland Bowling Club, Tracy Devlin, said: “We were the first club to really do this and all the schools have came very far.

“They all started off new to the sport and they have really come on to a high level. Hopefully when we have them back next season they’ll progress even more.

“We’ll definitely be having two schools back up until Christmas anyway, if not for longer.”

The children were all proud and delighted as they received their certificates, none more so than Darren Thompson from Bankhead and Zahraa Shaikh who were honoured as they had the best bowls scores of all the youngsters taking part in the scheme.

The pair were given special certificates to reward their efforts throughout the year.

Tracy concluded: “It certainly was a big success and we can’t wait to have them back again next year.”