Year 11 Highsted student Imogen J has had a busy outdoor bowling season this summer, ultimately representing England in the successful Under-18 test series against Wales earlier this month.  She had been contacted by Bowls England during August and asked to join the England team – of six girls and six boys – which then competed in a variety of disciplines during the two-day event in Wiltshire, finally defeating Wales 16-8. Imogen said: “I enjoy all my levels of bowling from Club to County level but particularly enjoyed representing my country for the first time. Although I was nervous, I really enjoyed the experience, even more so as I played in all three sessions helping England to a 16-8 victory over Wales.”

Prior to the England match, Imogen had already competed in Bowls England National Championships in Leamington Spa in early August, for the Under-18s Sutton Winson trophy – a competition that starts with 128 boys and girls from across England. Here, Imogen found herself two sets down in her first game before she pulled back to win the next two sets and seal her win into the next round on a one bowl shootout. She continued to play exceptionally well despite some tough opposition, eventually emerging as the only girl to reach the singles semi-final. Although she was then defeated on a one bowl tie-break shootout, Imogen returned to the championships later in August to represent Kent in the Under-31s Amy Rose Team.

Imogen comes from a family of bowlers and has been playing for the last six years, since she started at Swale Indoor Bowls Club at the age of nine. She recalled: “I started with the juniors on a Friday evening and from then on I really enjoyed it so then started to play other evenings and weekends with the seniors. Bowls is an unusual sport in that people of all ages can play with and against each other. I particularly enjoy the social side, meeting new people my age and older.”

Following her success with the England team on 5 and 6 September, Imogen was selected for an Under-18 England Academy trial involving 20 boys and 12 girls from across the country, which took place at Royal Leamington Spa last Saturday, 19th September. Of the events of the day, she said: “For my first game I had to skip (captain) a triples game, which is not my usual position to play, and unfortunately lost this game – however, in the afternoon I managed to come back with a win, playing two in a mixed fours game which is more of my usual position. I enjoyed this weekend as it was very good experience.  Hopefully it has helped me gain a greater chance of playing any future games for England.”

As the outdoor season is ending, Imogen is looking forward to returning to indoor bowling and representing England in the Under-18 British Isles Championship against Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands.  The competition is due to take place in Belfast in October.