By Richard SmithA YOUNG schoolboy has bowled over the opposition in his first season playing outdoor bowls.Ben Morrison, eight, from Bucklesham, near Ipswich, is the youngest boy member of Trimley (Cranfield) Bowls Club and is on a roll after notching up a notable success in a triples tournament.

By Richard Smith

A YOUNG schoolboy has bowled over the opposition in his first season playing outdoor bowls.

Ben Morrison, eight, from Bucklesham, near Ipswich, is the youngest boy member of Trimley (Cranfield) Bowls Club and is on a roll after notching up a notable success in a triples tournament.

The Ipswich School pupil said: “Children don't play because they think it is an old-fashioned sport, but I like it because it is something relaxing and I just love playing.”

Ben has received coaching from his grandmother, Valerie Pryke, of New Road, Trimley St Mary.

He teamed up with her and his grandfather, Brian Pryke, to win the three-wood triples competition at Earl Soham's annual tournament.

They scored maximum points, outplayed their nearest rivals by 12 shots and won £45. Ben played “lead roll” and was given all the prize money by his delighted grandparents.

A spokesman for Earl Soham said: “It was refreshing to see such a young player excelling on the bowls green and the club looks forward to Ben and his grandparents returning next year to defend their title.”

Trimley (Cranfield) Bowls Club allows children to play in casual clothes to encourage them to take up the sport, although they must wear the correct footwear.

Mr Pryke said it was essential that clubs relaxed the dress code to help the children who wanted to play the sport.

“If other clubs altered their etiquette, they would be more successful. We are still taking the game seriously, even if we are not in grey and whites,” he added.

Trimley (Cranfield) Bowls Club - which has six junior members who pay £5 membership - has a new £114,000 clubhouse funded by the National Lottery, councils, Trinity College, businesses and the club's fundraising events.

Tony Scarff, club press officer, said: “Undoubtedly, this has been the most exciting year in the history of the club.

“We have 140 members and a waiting list which just goes to show you do not have to be league bowlers to be a big club and how important it is to cater for those players who just want to enjoy the game.”

richard.smith@eadt.co.uk