Mangawhai bowls club coaching sessions

Mangawhai Bowls is offering residents an opportunity to learn the sport, under the guidance of experienced players Sue Wightman and Allan Stebben.

Sue and Allan are running coaching sessions for beginners every Tuesday at The Club, Molesworth Drive. Sue is currently NZ ladies’ singles champion and Allan is a former Northland rep.

“Players of all ages and abilities are welcome, but we are pitching the coaching at a basic level to get people started,” Allan says. “It’s not a difficult sport, particularly if you’ve got good hand-eye coordination, but some feel there’s a bit of mystery surrounding it, which we are out to dispel.”

Prospective members are welcome to come along for two or three sessions, before committing.

“We’ve spare sets of bowls, so there’s no need to rush out and buy your own,” Sue says. “In fact, it’s better to ask for advice before you buy.”

The club has around 80 men, plus nearly 40 women who belong to Hakaru Ladies. The ladies club remains a separate entity even though it uses the Mangawhai greens.

Club committee member Paul Freeman organises business house bowls which has attracted 32 teams this season.

“Taking part is also a good way to get started, as often experienced players partner juniors, who may not have played before.”

Paul is putting together an academy to further develop players, and says there’s plenty of scope for new bowlers to advance.

Info: Paul Freeman ph 431 5950 or Neville Franks, ph 431 4394.

PHOTO: Allan Stebben and Sue Wightman (right) give new bowler Yvonne Mack some pointers.