On a recent visit to Potter’s International Bowling Resort, two members of Coral Bay Bowls Club, Margaret & Richard Chapman, had the honour of meeting the world number one indoor bowling champion, Greg Harlow. Greg first won the International Bowls Championship singles in 2010 and was elected number one at the World Bowls Indoor championship finals in January 2017.
Greg is the Potters Bowls Ambassador and he and his team organise competitions for 10,000 bowls players every year, and run the Potters Bowls Shop. Potters also organise bowling trips to Paphos, when players can stay at the Athena Beach hotel, hosted by two Potters representatives. Games are arranged with local bowls clubs, both at the Athena Beach and at local clubs’ greens. “We can usually expect some good players in the visiting teams and matches are played in a welcoming and friendly manner whilst also being competitive”.
As Greg was getting ready to compete in the Just 2019 World Indoor Bowls Championships, Margaret & Richard chatted with him about bowls competitions held throughout the year at Potters and asked:
“What is the best thing about playing bowls?”
“Everyone can play as it is a sport for all, and you can play as a family. There are not many sports where an 80 year old can beat a 30 year old! I became interested in bowls around the age of six, watching my parents play, but couldn’t start playing until I was 11. I always loved sport, but I was better at bowls than anything else, and it’s just a fun sport that anyone can play.”
Greg is one of a handful of players to have played in all 20 of the championships held at one of the most easterly points of the United Kingdom, Potters at Hopton on Sea, Norfolk.
Margaret and Richard thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Potters, especially getting the opportunity to bowl in the International Arena, where the World Championships are played, and in the presence of the world’s Number one. Whilst there they watched several matches in the Potters Champion of Champions competition and were able to say that bowling here in Cyprus is comparatively of a very good standard. Anyone taking up bowls at Coral Bay Bowls Club can expect very good coaching and a friendly welcome from experienced members.
CORAL BAY BOWLS CLUB welcomes new members and interest is growing in joining the club – if you want to know more about bowling in Paphos contact Margaret on 97815979 and please like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/coralbaybowslsclub.
Visitors are also welcome to play. The green is open every day (Weather permitting!!)10am to 5.30pm and visitors pay just €5 for a two hour session, including hire of bowls and shoes. See the duty green steward on your arrival.
You will find Coral Bay Bowls Club at Neo’s sports bar and restaurant in Peyia. Look out for signs to the club.
