For more than a decade, Anthony Tancrel (64) has been sharing his passion for lawn bowls with bowlers at Springs Town Bowling Club. Tancrel, who has been coaching new and old bowlers at the club since 2013, says his passion for the sport has remained strong since he first encountered it in his 20s.

At the time, he was working at Grootvlei mine, where there was a bowling club. He recalls his journey into the sport and what keeps him motivated as a coach, as well as his reasons for encouraging young people in Springs to participate in this sport.

Tancrel says his passion for bowling started when he was invited to play by his pastor while working at the mine. Known as Tony to the players, he says his major aim since becoming a coach has been to help bowlers develop their skills and confidence in this sport.

“I’m a people person, so I love being around people. I love to see them grow in lawn bowls, and I like to see them achieve.”

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Tancrel also shared that he played as a novice in his previous games and ended up losing. He says that for him, it was awesome losing to someone who was not experienced.

The 64-year-old is passionate about the sport and hopes that more young people from Springs get interested in the game. He explains that the sport used to be called “old man’s marbles” and that players used to wear all-white clothing, and bowls were brown and black.

“Now, the game has changed over the years, and we are wearing more colourful clothing,” Tancrel explains.

He encourages all ages to try the game. The club participates in different tournaments and games in the province, and Tancrell explains that they get to meet different people and make friends.

“We encourage the youth of Springs to try the game, play a day of bowls and see how it feels. To me, bowls is about getting fresh air. It’s also a physical and mental game. It’s a good exercise because you walk a lot while playing bowls. That’s what’s encouraging about lawn bowls. You always keep yourself fit,” Tancrel concludes..

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