But that’s exactly how Colac bowler Rebecca McMahon started in the sport about 25 years ago.

“I was a barmaid at a bowling club,” she said.

“I was working and thought it looked like it would be good, so I popped out and gave it a try.

“Someone said to me ‘you’re a natural’. But you never believe people when they say that.”

The person at Colac’s City Bowling Club who told her she was a natural was right.

McMahon has gone on to a decorated career, which includes being a member of the Victorian squad for almost a decade.

It is a feat which came after she shook off some initial doubts about playing the sport.

“When I first started, I nearly quit two or three times because there were no other young ones playing,” she said.

“But I got to know the ladies and earn their respect.”

She is thankful she persevered, with lawn bowls leading her to numerous friendships that she has made through competing in tournaments like the Australia Day ladies’ pairs. McMahon is contesting the 2012 Australia Day ladies’ pairs with fellow City Bowling Club member Hayley Miller, with the pair sitting on top of the leaderboard after three wins on the opening day at Warrnambool Bowls Club yesterday. “This is our second year here,” she said.

“Last year we came third. There are a lot more state players here this year, so it will be hard but top three would be great.

“But we’re here to have fun mainly. Winning is secondary.”

McMahon is fresh from helping Victoria to a drought-breaking victory over South Australia, while her next state commitment is a test series against Tasmania in Melbourne in a fortnight.

“When you start out, you always aspire to do something like (make a state team),” she said.

“You’ve just got to be lucky enough to win something and be seen, then you have to keep performing to stay in there.”

The Australia Day ladies’ pairs tournament continues today, with Clayton’s Joyce Lindores and Mary-Anne Spizer (three wins, +30 shots) sitting second while third is Mount Gambier’s Jenny Waugh and Heather Richards (three wins, +29 shots).

kbutler@standard.fairfa x.com.au