Bowls NxGen | Kat Bowman

19th July, 2022

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 Kat Bowman of Leicestershire, who is the reigning National Women’s Junior Singles champion and has her sights set on more glory at Leamington and beyond.

 

 

Key stats

AGE: 19

CLUB: Birstall BC

COUNTY: Leicestershire

SOCIAL CHANNELS: Instagram


Success to date

LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS:

National Titles:

  • National Women’s Junior Singles winner – 2021
  • National Women’s Junior Pairs quarter finalist – 2019, 2021
  • Sutton Winson Trophy runner up – 2019
  • National Indoor Double Rink runner up – 2019

International Recognition: 

  • Junior International squad member – 2022
  • EIBA U19/U26 International squad member – 2022
  • Represented England at the British Isles Championships – 2022

County Titles:

  • County Junior Singles winner – 2019, 2021
  • County  Junior Pairs winner – 2018, 2019, 2021
  • County Unbadged Singles winner – 2019, 2021
  • County Mixed Pairs winner – 2019
  • Leicestershire National Champion of Champions winner – 2021
  • Leicestershire National Mixed Pairs area finalist – 2021
  • County Indoor Women’s Singles winner – 2018 | Runner up – 2019
  • County Indoor U18 Singles winner – 2019
  • County Indoor U18 Pairs winner – 2019
  • County Indoor U25 Singles runner up – 2022
  • County Indoor U25 Pairs winner – 2022

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE:

My greatest achievement to date is lifting the Junior Singles trophy at the 2021 National Championships, defeating some very experienced bowlers over two days of tough competition. I think singles is a very lonely game, so to win a singles title is something I’m hugely proud of.

MOST MEMORABLE MATCH & WHY:

Qualifying match for the 2019 Junior Pairs. Despite trailing by 7 with 2 ends to play, my partner and I managed to score a 4 and a 5 to take us to Leamington! After I played the best runner of my life to trail the jack for the win. This match highlighted how crazy bowls can be, and no matter the situation you can always get the result with some grit, determination and perhaps a bit of luck!


My Game

FIRST EXPERIENCE:

I’ve been around bowls greens my entire life, following my grandparents and uncles around the county. I think I was two weeks old when I visited a green for the first time. Later, I used to run on the green at tea time when all the bowlers were busy chatting in the clubhouse and roll their bowls up and down the green. I played my first match as a very small thirteen year old, as my club was short of players and desperate. I could just about get the bowls up the green.

FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE:

Pairs, where you get the most bowls possible and some company! I love the shot discussions and the nature of the discipline means you have to be able to play every shot in the game, sometimes all in the same end.

STRENGTHS:

I often get told I have a calm demeanour on the green, I keep the opposition guessing on how I’m coping with the green and the match. I’m told constantly that I need to smile more! I’m also very stubborn and determined, this helps me out in singles matches especially when the slog to twenty-one shots seems to be taking forever.

BEST FRIENDS IN BOWLS:

Stephen Beamish, County Secretary and on the green comedian, he seriously makes my life fun on and off the green. Lynn Green, one of the best women bowlers our county has ever seen and a huge advocate for young bowlers. I believe it is partly due to her that I am a part of the Leicestershire Johns team, newly promoted to skip, and a member of the Walker squad. Joe Breward, my Bowls Dad! He has stepped in to play with me when others let me down and we have a brilliant relationship. Also John Rednall, a huge inspiration and support for all my technical questions. Although there are really too many to name across the counties! Bowls is great for making friends!


The Future

ASPIRATIONS:

Qualify and win through to the final stages of a “senior” National Championship and one day play for the Senior International team.

ONE THING YOU’D SAY TO GET SOMEONE TO TRY BOWLS:

Passers by often say bowls looks easy. So if it looks that easy, why not give it a go?! Regardless of the result, there is always biscuits and good company! It’s a great way to get your steps in, be in the fresh air, make friends and discover your competitive side. I recently undertook the Coach Bowls Level One course to help new and existing bowlers of all ages across our county.

COMMONWEALTH CRYSTAL BALL – HOW WILL TEAM ENGLAND GET ON:

On home turf, the team is looking very strong and experienced. I think they’re well in the running for many medals! I’m sure they’ll do us proud. It’s going to be a great showcase for our sport and will hopefully inspire the next generation of bowlers.


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.

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