COREY Wedlock’s bowling star continues to rise.
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The 18-year-old from Urunga is now living in Sydney following an attractive apprenticeship offer from the Cabramatta Bowling Club, one of the city’s biggest, and home to the NSW National Training Centre (NTC) for the sport.
“There were offers from a number of clubs but Cabramatta was the best ... I’m loving it here,” Corey told the Guardian.
“I live right next door to the club and have started a four-year apprenticeship as a green-keeper.
“I start early in the morning but I also finish early, which means I get to practice every day.”
Other benefits include easy access to the NTC and its coaches, as well as sharing accommodation with long-time New Zealand bowls champion, Rowan Brassey.
“Rowan is my mentor and that’s been great,” he said.
“There is also a lot of support from the club and I have a big circle of friends that I have made through bowling over the years, many of whom live in Sydney.”
So far this year Corey has been crowned winner of the club’s Major Singles competition (the youngest ever) as well as being part of the winning Major Fours team.
He is also in second place for the coveted Open Australian Male Bowler of the Year.
“The competition here is much better and that is certainly helping me to lift my game,” Corey said.
“I still have a long way to go but I have my sights set on playing for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
“The next games are in 2018 on the Gold Coast, which would be great, but I am not sure I will be ready by then.”
Between work and weekly TAFE commitments, Corey has also been preparing for the Australian Open Bowls competition, which is now underway on the the Gold Coast.
“I’ll be playing in the singles, pairs and fours,” he said.
“Points from this go towards the Bowler of the Year, which will be announced after that.”
* New Zealand-born Rowan Brassey competed at five World Bowls Championships between 1984 and 2000. He won gold in 1988 (pairs, with Peter Belliss). He also competed at six Commonwealth Games: 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006.
