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Post date: Jan 3, 2020 3:15:10 PM
Pictured left: Ollie with Mark Dawes.
DRAWN to play against current world Indoor singles champion Mark Dawes, for even an established bowler, the experience would appear pretty daunting.
But ten-year-old Stamford bowler Ollie Jeapes took it in his stride and was rewarded by the Blackpool professional giving him an England shirt signed by members of the team.
The result of their match was immaterial - in fact Dawes allowed the Chesterton schoolboy just one shot in a two set masterclass - but despite his inexperience, Ollie performed with skill, style and confidence and made his parents and those other bowlers watching, proud.
Said his dad Michael, himself a former England Under 25 outdoor singles champion: "It was a remarkable opportunity for Ollie. The score didn't reflect the overall experience for him but the unexpected shirt presentation was a nice gesture from Mark and gave Ollie great encouragement."
After his defeat - and as the rules stipulate - Ollie acted as marker for a second round match. Not an easy task but by all accounts he did it well.
Elsewhere Michael lost to Spalding's Jordan Philpott 3-9, 2-7 and Christine Ford was beaten in a tie break by Sleaford's Paul Roberts after winning the first set. Tony Barwell was unlucky to be matched against former world champion Nick Brett losing in straight sets but also gained confidence from the experience.
Stephen Harris won his first round match but was then beaten by former world semi-finalist Wayne Willgress in two sets.
Spalding's England international left-hander Graham Smith took the first prize cheque, beating current England indoor singles champion Jack Bird in the final.
FOOTNOTE: In the first round of the Northants Federation 4-bowl singles, Ollie Jeapes won 21-17 at Peterborough IBC against Ian Smith.
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