Teen bowler is Sunraysia’s best

LAWN bowls isn’t a sport often associated with teenagers, but Isaiah Bettess isn’t like most others.

The 18-year-old has been on the rinks since age 11 and playing weekly pennant competition against other bowlers up to five times his age for the past four years.

Now the talented teenager, who has aspirations of representing his state and country, has confirmed his status as a star of the the future after becoming the youngest player to claim the Bowls Sunraysia Winter Singles title.

The Mildura Bowls Club member beat Workers’ Ron Archer in last Sunday’s final at Irymple, the 21-12 result earning him top honours.

“It was pretty good to achieve that at only 18 years old,” the quietly spoken Bettess said.

“I appreciated everyone who came out to watch, a lot of the Mildura club came and supported me and it was good for me.

“I concentrated really hard, just to try and block everything out and concentrate on winning.

“I just focused on trying to draw to the jack and get my first two close to it.”

Like many sports, a family connection led Bettess to take up bowls, following in the footsteps of his nan, dad and older sister.

He’s fallen in love with the sport its competitive nature as well as the social aspect.

“It’s very hard mentally sometimes and you have to focus 100 per cent of the time,” he said.

“I just love getting to know everyone of different ages, and especially down near Melbourne way, there’s a lot of younger people playing and I have so many friends from the under 18s that I’ve met and I’ve gotten to know.”

Bettess has already represented the Mallee Murray regional side, and next month will play for Victoria at School Sports Australia level at Tweed Heads, NSW.

The youngster, who also plays under 18 football for South Mildura and faces Mildura in an elimination final this Sunday, wants to continue and play at the highest possible level.

“I’m trying to make the Victorian side and potentially the Australian side, if I can,” he said.