Nelson brothers square off in the Under 18’s
With a total prize money of $1,500 up the grabs, the competition is on for Nelson brothers Jacob (17) and Kane (11) who will compete against each other in the first match of the Under-18’s Boys’ Singles. With a total prize money of $1,500 up the grabs, the competition is on for Nelson brothers Jacob (17) and Kane (11) who will compete against each other in the first match of the Under-18’s Boys’ Singles.
What will definitely be the first of many brother on brother clashes for these Lawn Bowls rising stars, the boys are excited to be to back on the Gold Coast to compete in the largest bowls event in the world.
The 2016 Australian Open marks Jacob’s third time competing in the event, having already participated in the Men’s Singles and Pairs.
“The first one was more of a learning curve because it was the biggest event I had ever played in really, and last year was the best because I won the under-18’s title,” said Jacob.
“It’s just as good as last year, except people are beating me, but I’m really enjoying it.”
Kane is back for his second Australian Open, competing in the Singles, Pairs and Under-18 Boys.
“It was a good experience last year, because when I was in the pairs, I had to play against Alex Marshall and Barrie Lester with my Dad,” said Kane.
“I was excited to see how they good they were.”
With the junior events beginning tomorrow, all eyes are on the two brothers, who through the luck of the draw will face each other in their first game of the Under-18’s.
“The competition is intense; I’m probably going to get pumped by Kane knowing my luck,” said Jacob.
“He’s playing really well.”
“Kane knows my game back-to-front, so I’m worried about that but other than that, I play a lot of bowls so we’ll see how we go.”
“I think it’s very unlucky that I had to play against him,” said Kane.
“I would have liked a bit of a better draw than Jacob.”
Jacob has already found some success this year, after he traveled to New Zealand to compete in the Trans-Tasman test series, alongside some of the Australian Jackaroos.
“It was a different atmosphere playing with the Australian players, and it was different because we went overseas and played on different surfaces,” said Jacob.
“It was really windy in New Zealand and really hard but I enjoyed it overall.”
Jacob and Kane both emphasise that what they most love about the sport are the social aspects, where people from different ages, backgrounds and abilities can meet on the green.
“It’s really easy going, and there’s a really good social side, it’s a social game,” said Jacob.
“You meet a lot of cool people.”
“You play with the young and the old, and you always make new friends in the bowls world,” said Kane.
Each brother is a young up-and-comer in their own right, and both cite different influences in their lawn bowls styles.
“I aspire to my dad, because my dad’s my hero in everything,” said Jacob.
“I like Alex Marshall the best,” said Kane.
“He gave me some free stuff when I met him at the marquee.”
The Under-18 Boys’ Singles commence tomorrow at Robina and Mermaid Beach, and the Under-18 Girls’ Singles at Helensvale and Robina.
