Many members would walk into Engadine Bowling Club and be welcomed by Josh, one of our frontline team members. Along with being a crucial part of our team, he’s also an incredibly talented young lawn bowler. An inspiration to many, he’s part of the crew of younger Engadine Cougars Bowlers who are really making their mark. Get to know Josh, discover who inspires him, and learn how he got involved in competitive lawn bowls.
What inspired you to start playing bowls?
I started playing at Wauchope Bowling Club. My Dad originally worked at the club and became involved in bowls there. I enjoyed watching him and would go along with him when he played and became interested in the sport. Not only did it look like fun at the time, but it was also a good opportunity to spend bonding time with my Dad.
I was also influenced by seeing another young player, Jack Lewis, who played at the club where I started. Jack plays for the Cougars and won the State Singles last year. I didn’t get to play with Jack when I began to play as he is a bit older than me, although I now live with Jack.
I did play with another Cougar player when I was younger, Callum Murray, who played for Port City Bowling Club at the time. Callum encouraged me to move to Sydney to continue developing as a player and made my move smooth and easy.
How long have you been playing bowls, and what do you enjoy most about the sport?
I’ve been playing for 13 years. I started playing when I was eight years old (in 2011).
The best thing about the game is that you get to engage with a lot of different people, and it requires a fair bit of patience. It is very competitive, as much as any other sport. I was also playing football and cricket but slowly shifted to bowls being my focus.
It’s a challenging sport to pick up, but I enjoyed the challenge of learning and continuing to improve. You need to put in a lot of work to be good and perform at a high level.
I enjoy travelling, seeing many new places and making friends across the state and country. You always see people you know when you go to all the different competitions.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your time playing bowls?
Winning a District Fours title with my dad at Lake Cathie.
What skills are most important for success in bowls, and how do you work on improving them?
Patience, consistency, a lot of repetition and muscle memory. When I have a roll-up (training), I like putting myself in different playing conditions, such as rain, afternoon light, shade, and night. With different conditions, the greens will change, and they can become faster or slower. The greens and the conditions changing have a significant impact on the game. Synthetic greens are different again.
I work on my technique, for example, my stance, as this is quite technical (as it is in golf), taking the correct length of the step and the right timing in your back swing.
How do you balance work or other commitments with your bowls practice and competitions?
I aim to have a roll up and train two to three times a week. I fit this in around my roster at the Club as a frontline team member, so days and times vary. I try to do my rolls up with other players. But at other times I do roll ups by myself. I try to put myself in a game situation for my roll ups to give some focus. It recreates the environment of the game. It is good to have a mix of playing with others and by yourself.
Who are your role models or favourite players in the world of bowls, and why?
My Dad is a role model and has been very involved with my career and the reason I started playing bowls. Jack is also a role model and someone I aspire to be like.
What advice would you give to other young players just starting out in bowls?
Be patient with the sport and make sure you enjoy it for what it is. Don’t get frustrated. It is a sport which offers a lot of different competitions year-round. They range from local zone competitions to state bowls in various locations throughout Sydney. There are also competitions in regional NSW. As you progress through the sport, you can try to qualify for interstate and national competitions.
How has playing bowls helped you develop as a person, both on and off the green?
I have matured, and it has helped me mentally, especially when making decisions in high-pressure situations and staying composed. I’ve learnt to be present in the moment and show my presence alongside my competitive nature.
I’ve built strong friendships and maintained friendships from the sport across all age groups. The sport fosters social connection.
What are your goals or aspirations for your future bowls career?
My short-term goal is to represent the Club in Zone in high end bowls (top grade) and represent the state. My long-term goal is to represent Australia. Other goals include getting the right results in competition and putting myself in front of the right people.
Why do you enjoy playing with the Engadine Cougars?
I’ve only been here since September last year (2023) and moving here has been an easy transition as the members, patrons and staff are very friendly and have made me feel very welcome. Working at the Club is great! It has a real community feel and when I see members outside of work, we often stop and chat.
I really enjoy playing for the Cougars. The team members are all very supportive and always encourage each other to play at their best. They are a very competitive club.
GET TO KNOW MORE OF THE TEAM:
- Sibling Greenkeepers Jordan and Lachlan
- Carolyn Nelson
- Meet our Apprentice Greenkeeper Jacob
