Ben Bowled Over
18 year old Ben Suggitt is celebrating after getting his international call up for a trial with the England Under 25’s bowling team.
Ben who is currently at university is a member of Thornaby Indoor Bowls Club and has been rewarded after taking up the sport just five years ago. Ben’s mum and dad encouraged him to have a go at bowls after spotting the fantastic facilities at Thornaby Pavilion. The club has recently been re-developed into a six-rink arena but still offers some of the best facilities in England.
Ben has been coached under the watchful eye of Brian Hannaford, main coach at Thornaby Indoor Bowls club, ever since he began playing bowls. Brian who has coached other bowls players to international level is keen to recruit juniors to the sport and even provides equipment for those just starting out.
Brian said “ I am so proud after seeing Ben progress from a complete beginner to such a talented bowls player. He is one of my best pupils at the moment and adds to my list of pupils who have had England trials. Hopefully it will be third time lucky as we have already had two of my pupils representing England in the past.”
Acklam resident Ben was spotted by the England selectors whilst playing in national competitions at both club level and county level. Ben is no stranger to success in the bowls world, not only has he won Junior Player of the Year he is also Junior Singles Champion and got to the finals of the National double fours Under25’s with the county team.
The junior section of the bowls club meets every Thursday at 4.30pm till 6.30pm and Saturday 9.00am till 10.00am. Anyone aged between 7 and 18 years of age can play in the well-established junior section. These sessions offer juniors the chance to play competitive bowls and learn the correct techniques and principles of playing. The juniors also play in a number of leagues and competitions such as the Yorkshire County under 18’s and Under 18’s County Singles.
If you would like to take part in junior bowls just pop down to any of the above sessions or contact Thornaby Pavilion on (01642) 763371