Young Callum Murray is a sensation in the lawn bowls world. He's the 2013 Port City Bowling Club's bowler of the year and is set for big things in the sport. Port News sports reporter Matt McLennan sat down with the 15-year-old Murray for a chat
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Matt McLennan: Congratulations Callum. It must feel pretty good to be club champ at such a young age?
Callum Murray: It fells really good, but is also a relief. It shows that the work that I put in throughout the year has paid off in a big way. I was fortunate this year to have played in winning teams in three Club Championships and runner-up in another and was recognised as the club's bowler of the year.
MM: The Port City Bowling Club environment is obviously working wonders for you, even though you aren't even old enough to drink in the bar yet?
CM: Yes, the club has been very generous and every member of the Port City Bowling Club is very friendly and encouraging. It makes for a great environment for me to practise and strive to complete the goals that I have set for myself. I also get to play with and be coached by very high-quality players such as Commonwealth Games player and coach Bryce Stewart, who has been important to my success.
MM: How did you get into bowls?
CM: Tacking Point School did bowls for sport and a friend at the time was playing, but it was also very different from what everyone else was doing which made it interesting to me. The club coach Neville Schwartz then asked me to come down to the club for weekend coaching and it just went from there.
MM: How long ago was that?
CM: I started playing around three years ago.
MM: What do you enjoy about the sport?
CM: It is constantly varied and challenging. No game is the same as the last, so you have to be ready for every situation.
MM: Is there anything you don't like about it?
CM: Not really, it is a lot of hard work but I enjoy it.
MM: What is it like playing a sport with plenty of blokes much older than yourself?
CM: The members are a bunch of characters so it is a lot of fun, and everyone is very supportive of my goals and push me to accomplish them.
MM: Do many of your mates play?
CM: I have made plenty of friends from different areas by playing bowls but none of my friends from school play, which I hope to change in the near future.
MM: Do you train much? What does that consist of?
CM: Yes, I train at least three times a week and then play on most weekends. My training consists of getting on the green and rolling up, which consists of practising different shots like the draw, drive and running shots. I sometimes practise with other people which adds a challenge to training.
MM: Are you into any other sports?
CM: I play Aussie rules at both club and representative level which I enjoy. I have also just started to participate in Crossfit sessions including their athlete development squad which I also find a challenge but it is fun and enjoyable.
MM: What does the future hold for you? Are you planning to make bowls a career or is there a backup option? If so, what is it?
CM: I think every young bowler's dream is to play in the Commonwealth Games and I am no exception but I also have other goals. Some of these include making some junior and state representative teams, winning a grade 1 pennant flag and winning all minor events at the Port City Bowling Club. As for making it a career, I am not too sure, I will just have to wait and see over the next few years and then make my decision.
What school do you go to and what year are you in? I attend Port Macquarie High School and I am in year 9.
