Whilst many eyes were on Broadbeach and the Commonwealth Games in recent weeks, domestic matters continued to reach a climax for the 2017/2018 indoor season. Our young bowlers competitions are well respected and long established, and have been running for over 20 years.

Throughout this time, the competitions have helped bring through many stars of the future supported by our clubs and dedicated parents who travel across the country week in week out.

For the first time, the Young Bowlers Finals Days were held in conjunction with the Mens National Finals on Friday 13^th, Saturday 14^th & Sunday 15^th April at Cardiff IBC. This proved to be an excellent success with young bowlers sharing the platform alongside full international players. With increased attendances at the finals, it is certainly a format that could be replicated in future seasons.

In the Under 16 Pairs final, it was Estee Parry & Emily Lawrence of Rhondda IBC who prevailed. An excellent second half saw them turn a 7-4 deficit into a fine 18-10 win.

Meanwhile in the Under 18 Pairs final, the title went further east as Lowri Powell and Ryan Davies of Islwyn IBC defeated Anna Lawrence & Luke Iles of Rhondda IBC 16-11 in an excellent final.

Into Sundays action, and the respective Triples and Fours finals.

In the Under 18 Triples it was Lauren Viles, Corry Davies and Ethan Humphries of Merthyr Tydfil IBC who finished the stronger to beat Angharad Edwards, Nathan Cole and Jordan Larke of Radnor IBC 17-10.

In the Under 18 Fours, Estee Parry, Caitlin Smith, Iestyn Williams and Luke Iles overcame Lauren Gowan, Amelia Roberts, Dylan Hawkins and Eric Hughes in a high quality all Rhondda IBC final. With the score 22-21 after 18 ends.

The effort and commitment from our young bowlers and the standard of coaching they received from dedicated volunteers was there for all to see. With Welsh Director of Bowls Stephen Rees in attendance watching from the side-lines, opportunities bodes well for our young bowlers as Rees looks to the future for Under 18 Development and Squad sessions in readiness for the Home Nations Under 18 International events.