Richard Fuller and Gordon Cowie, were proud as punch to represent Rocky Nook in the 1-5 Year Men’s Pairs Final, last weekend. While they ultimately won silver, their journey is about more than just the competition. It’s a story of a club’s revival, renewed community engagement, and a growing passion for bowls.

A club transformed

Just a few years ago, the idea of reaching a Centre Final seemed out of reach for this club. However, with new leadership and a focus on community engagement, the club began to change. “There’s been a big shift in the club,” Richard noted. “We’ve seen an increase in membership and, more importantly, a sense of renewed enthusiasm from the community.”

A concerted effort was made to attract new members and foster a welcoming environment. Programmes aimed at introducing bowls to a broader audience, including families and young adults, breathed new life into the club. “We saw people from all walks of life starting to show interest,” Gordon explained. “It’s no longer just the same faces; now, there’s a mix of experience levels and ages, and it’s made a real difference.”

The road to the final

Richard and Gordon are relative newcomers to competitive bowls, having played for less than five years. Yet, with the club’s support and the guidance of experienced players, they entered the 1-5 Year Men’s Pairs with quiet confidence. Their progress to the final was hard-fought, but their determination never wavered.

“There were moments where we thought we wouldn’t make it, but the club’s support kept us going,” said Richard. “We knew we were part of something bigger. The whole club has been behind us, and that gave us the motivation to push forward.”

Gordon echoed this sentiment, adding, “The changes at the club helped us grow as players. There’s a sense of momentum now, and everyone wants to be a part of it. Getting to the final is proof that the changes and hard work are paying off.”

A club on the rise

This run to the Centre Final is a sign of the club’s resurgence. Membership has steadily increased in recent years, with more new players eager to test themselves in regional competitions. The club has also become a hub for social events, drawing in the wider community and encouraging a broader interest in bowls.

The ripple effect of this revitalisation is clear. Richard and Gordon’s success is not an isolated incident but a part of a larger trend of rising ambition and renewed energy within the club. As they look to the future, they are hopeful that their club will not only continue to compete but also thrive in Centre events.

Though Richard and Gordon fell just short of the title, their achievement marks a turning point for the club. For the first time since 1927, they’ve proven they can compete at a centre level. “This isn’t just about us,” Richard remarked. “It’s about everyone at the club. We’ve shown that with hard work, anything is possible.”

With the club’s newfound competitiveness and the growing support of its members, there’s every reason to believe that this is just the beginning. The future looks bright, and who knows—perhaps the next Centre title is just around the corner.