As part of our new series, we will be profiling the future stars of bowls at both international & county level. In this edition, we focus on Jordan Philpott of Lincolnshire, who is the reigning National Junior Singles champion and plays his part in the Junior International set up.
Key stats
AGE: 24
CLUB: Royal Mail Cart BC
COUNTY: Lincolnshire
SOCIAL CHANNELS: Twitter & Instagram
Success to date
LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS:
National Titles:
- National Junior Singles winner – 2021
- White Rose semi-finalists (Lincolnshire) – 2016, 2017
- Club Two Fours quarter-finalist – 2019
International Recognition:
- Junior International 2017-present
County Titles:
- County U25 Singles winner 2021
- County U25 Pairs winner 2018, 2019, 2021
- County Pairs winner 2021
- County Fours winner 2019
- County U18 Singles winner 2015
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE:
Winning the Junior singles national title. I’ve never really performed as well as I would like when I get to Leamington so taking each game as it comes, finding some big bowls gave me confidence that I can do it on the big stage and it was rounded off with a national title. It has given me a lot more confidence to push on for more titles.
MOST MEMORABLE MATCH & WHY:
Would have to be a regional final of the Club Two Fours against Heaton Hall. Our little club from Spalding, where I started out from 12 years old, managed to beat a very strong team from Lancashire. It was my last season there and was captain of the club, so to win the game and take the club to Leamington for the first time in the club’s history meant the world to a lot of people and I will remember it for a lot of years to come.
My Game
FIRST EXPERIENCE:
My whole family including mum, brother, uncles and cousins play lawn bowls and it was only a matter of time before I started myself. I was 12 years old when I played my first game and it was at Spalding Town Bowls club just outside where I went to school. So I used to nip in for a practice most evenings after school to get some practice in. My Mum and Dad used to devote all there time to take me to different bowls games to give me the best experiences I could get. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them so I owe everything to them.
FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE:
I like all disciplines in bowls. From singles through to the atmosphere on team games. But I think I’d go for Singles on the basis you only have to worry about your own game.
STRENGTHS:
I am mentally strong which helps in all disciplines. Especially team games where I can help motivate a few people if things aren’t going too well.
BEST FRIENDS IN BOWLS:
Dom McVittie, Adam Pitfield, James Hampton, Carl Higgins, Martin Spencer, Jamie Barker, Simon Lilley, Phil Cooke and Stuart Callaby.
The Future
ASPIRATIONS:
Of course everyone dreams of being in the Commonwealth Games team. That is the main dream, but short term plan is to try and collect some National Titles and break into the England senior team.
ONE THING YOU’D SAY TO GET SOMEONE TO TRY BOWLS:
The social side to bowls is great and one of the main reasons why a lot of people play. I think if people watch a lot more of the team games and the atmosphere they bring, then more people would be interested in playing.
COMMONWEALTH CRYSTAL BALL – HOW WILL TEAM ENGLAND GET ON:
The team picked is very strong and we are all hoping that England can be on the podium collecting some medals. On home soil too, I think we have a great chance.
If you know a young player in your club or county who we should feature on a future Bowls NxGen, please email daniel.ellicott@bowlsengland.com.