By Erin Bishop  July 29 2009

Kids from around the district filled the Ashburton indoor bowls stadium on Monday for the first round of the inter-schools indoor bowls competition.

Seven schools are taking part in the competition, with each school sending 8-12 kids, which means around 68 kids in all are playing in the three part competition.

 Ashburton Indoor Bowls Association spokesman Michael Lawson said the tournament followed coaching which was conducted by local volunteers in schools around the district, with around 640 kids receiving the coaching.

 Teams were then selected to take part in the inter-schools competition with will take place on three afternoons, a fortnight apart, with the next being on August 10.

 On that day, the North Island indoor bowls team will be in town for a representative match against Ashburton that night, so the northerners will be on hand to give the youngsters some tips earlier in the day.

 Already, there was some talent showing through in the young players, Lawson said.

 “Even our own members coming along to watch were very impressed and said that they sould get coaching from them,” Lawson said.

 Mount Hutt College won the inter-schools competition last year but does not have teams taking part this year, meaning a new champion will be crowned.

Pictured: Netherby School’s Make Te are Daniel looks to send a bowl rolling down the carpet during the first day of the inter-schools indoor bowls competition on Monday. - Photo Sarah Chamberlain 270709-SC-243