Bluff bowls ace to skip SA junior team in China

A LIFELONG Bluff player of the sport of lawn bowls has been selected as skip of the junior South Africa team to represent the country in China later this year.

Fundraising efforts are afoot to assist Paul attend the three invitation tournaments in the Far East but his family appeal for assistance in amassing the costs to get him there.
Deciding lawn bowls was his sport of choice was a natural progression for 24-year-old Paul.

Just out of nappies, Paul was often found on the skirts of the green at Wentworth Bowling Club, rolling a jack and pushing bowls along the grass as his mom and dad, Bridget and Dave competed in club competitions.

Registering as an authorised bowler when he was 12-years-old allowed him to enter his first official club competition, the club’s open men’s singles. He recalls that game vividly and relates that he won the game against a recognised lawn bowler with a score of 21–12.

The bug bit him hard and as a youngster, the protégé would go to great lengths to watch Protea bowler Gippo Vermeulen in action, aspiring to one day demonstrate the skills his champion had displayed.

A turning point in White’s career was when he made his current club, Durban Wanderers BC proud through his selection to represent Port Natal Bowls and participate in the South African Junior Masters tournament this month. Fighting his way through the field, he reached the final and faced off against his district team mate, Wayne Roberts. Roberts took the title by two shots but the result left the runner-up more determined to continue to achieve on the greens.

Following the BSA U30 inter district tournament played in Pietermaritzburg this year, the junior team selected to represent South Africa in three invitation tournaments in China was announced, with Paul White skipping the side which is comprised of Charles Peter Mathewson (Northern Cape), Brendon Ferns (Western Cape) and Wayne Roberts (Port Natal).

White’s reputation as being able to get his team out of trouble with his powerful, accurate driving shot is gaining momentum and one often observes the opposing skip pale as Paul lines up for his deadly running shot.

Asked if he had any advice for aspiring youngsters, he responded that tireless practise is essential. “Spend more time perfecting the draw shot,” he urged.

For more information or to assist with fundraising, contact Paul’s dad Dave on 082-202-2623.

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