A young Wishaw bowler has claimed his first Lanarkshire title and is aiming to take the Scottish championship next month.
Thirteen-year-old Kayden Croken will head to Northfield in July to take on the country’s best having won the Lanarkshire district title.
The Wishaw Bowling Club member started playing at the tender age of seven thanks to a chance meeting at the club.
Proud dad Kenny said: “We went down to the club to book the hall for his grandpa’s birthday party and Kayden came with us.
“He met a local bowler Robert McAllister down there who took him under his wing and got him playing in the juniors section and it’s snowballed from there.
“Robert deserves a lot of credit for taking a lot of time with Kayden and now he’s won the Lanarkshire singles and is going to the Scottish finals.
“He is really looking forward to going back to Northfield. He played there last year in the triples and enjoyed himself.
“He works hard at the game and I’m sure he will do well.”
Kenny is hoping that Kayden’s success will inspire other young people to try their hand at the sport.
Currently Wishaw Bowling Club have a number of talented youngsters in their juniors section but Kenny is hopeful more kids will decide to give bowling a go.
He added: “Kayden has tried a lot of different sports such as football and swimming but he has really taken to bowls.
“We just try and encourage him as best we can. As long as he is happy then we are happy but it’s really pleasing to see how dedicated he is.
“He is down at the bowling club every other day working on his game.
“I would love to raise awareness of how much commitment the club has shown to the younger generation and invest in the future of the sport.
“These people don’t get paid for their time and give the kids 100 per cent.”
Wishaw Bowling Club’s junior section runs every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm. If you would like more information then call 01698 359554.
