GRANT McLaren is used to playing lawn bowls with and against players more than three times his age.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Colac teenager started playing pennant three years ago and now, at 15, is a rusted-on member of his Corangamite Bowls Division top-grade side.
He enjoys travelling to Melbourne for under 18 competitions and took up a chance to make his Des Notley Classic Pairs debut at City Memorial Bowls Club on Wednesday.
“Some bloke pulled out so I came down to be a fill in,” McLaren said on the opening day of the two-day Warrnambool competition.
Sports-mad McLaren, who is teaming with Colac skipper Will Collihole, said bowls now rated as one of his favourites.
“Dad (Heath) just kept going to practice and made me go,” he said of his introduction to the sport.
“It is very hard. It’s not what people think, just bowling a bowl to the other end.
“I like the people around you – they’re supportive, friendly and nice and you make new friends.
“I probably want to play for Victoria.”
McLaren plays four sports – lawn bowls, cricket and tennis in summer and football in winter.
The Colac Secondary College student enjoys the juggling act.
“Last year I was playing three sports in 24 hours so it was pretty hard,” he said.
“Cricket on Friday night, tennis Saturday morning and bowls on Saturday afternoon.
“I fill in for cricket (now) but I still play a bit.”