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IAN LESLEY SHARES HIS DELIGHT AT BEING SELECTED FOR THE MEN'S INTERNATIONAL TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME |
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Having bowled for 25 years, the Torquay United IBC player has
trialled five time previously, so breaking into the team means a
lot: "It's a brilliant feeling, I'm absolutely over the moon. The messages I have received has been amazing. The team has been so successful over the last 10 years that it was always going to be very tough to break into but I'm glad I finally have, grateful for the opportunity and to be given the chance. "I've been fortunate enough to make the squad either non-travelling reserve a couple times and travelling reserve once, so I'm delighted to go one step further." "I'm really looking forward to pulling on the England shirt for the first time and being with the team and I can't wait for the first game. Having played for the outdoor team I kind of know what to expect going into a series so hopefully that will hold me in good stead. We will be in Wales for the week as we have got the British Isles Fours a few days before the series starts so will be good to have some time on green beforehand." Ian started bowling at a young age as he lived just around the corner from Shaldon BC and Teignbridge IBC was close by.  Though he no longer plays outdoors, in 2017 he competed for Bowls England at the Atlantic Games in Cardiff and won a bronze medal in the triples with David Bolt and Sam Tolchard. "That's definitely a highlight; it was my first major tournament for England, and whilst we lost on the last end in the semi-final it was great experience for me but also be part of a fantastic squad for those three weeks. "Also up there is being selected for England outdoors and indoors. It was always my ambition to play for my country and to have achieved both of these is more than I could have hoped for. I've been very lucky to have played with some fantastic players (who have carried me) over the years. "Finally, all of the national titles I have won, each one means a lot. The three National Fours indoor titles in the last six years, winning the National Triples outdoors in 2016, I've always enjoyed winning the club team events, the two Denny Cups we won at Exonia, The Liberty/Middleton Cup wins, Balcomb wins, Egham/Top Club titles. They all mean a lot as you are winning with great mates and people I had grown up with. "One of the funniest things that has happened is my bag being taken from the changing room before our fours quarter final this year - a player from Kent accidentally picked up my bag and it wasn't until we returned for the quarter final, I realised it was gone. Thankfully after a couple phone calls, he returned and we started our quarter final at 7:30pm. He even messaged me at midnight when we had won!" What does Ian love about bowls? "The chance to compete at a high level and the journey of trying to win a national competition," he said. "It's a long winter season so to qualify for the nationals makes it worthwhile. Also, the social side is good, I've met some life-long friends from around the country." Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Interview with Sam Tolchard |
December 2024
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