Matt's in national under-25 singles final
Riverain bowls champion Matt Coppen looks like he is transferring his outdoor success to the indoor game by qualifying for the national under-25 finals. After dominating the outdoor circuit, the talented 17 year old has been busy impressing in the indoor
Riverain bowls champion Matt Coppen looks like he is transferring his outdoor success to the indoor game by qualifying for the national under-25 finals.
After dominating the outdoor circuit, the talented 17 year old has been busy impressing in the indoor game - seeing off Watford's Michael Cole in two straight sets (17-5 and 14-1) to qualify for his first indoor final.
The national indoor under-25 finals take place next weekend (March 1-2) in Basingstoke.
Coppen said: "This is the first indoor competition that I have entered and it's been going really well so far - I'm quite surprised.
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"I won the final of the Hertfordshire area fairly comfortably and as a result I've qualified for the national final."
Coppen, known for his trophy laden exploits for Royston Bowls Club, will be representing the Hitchin-based Riverain Bowls Club at the final.
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Taking on the cream of England's under-25 bowlers, Coppen could claim his second national title after being crowned British junior singles under-25 champion in July.
In what was a triumphant outdoor season, Coppen also won the county under-25 and under-30 singles titles.
He added: "Indoor bowls is a lot different to playing outdoors, for a start it's a lot faster.
"But I'm enjoying it and I'm really looking forward to the final - it should be a good competition.
"It's going to be tough, but I'm confident I can do well. And it would be great to win another national title!"
n Stevenage Leisure Centre IBC played against local rivals Nomads.
Played on four rinks, Stevenage Leisure won by 13 shots (78-65) and by three rinks to one.
Their highest rink was that of Phyllis Day, Ron Riley, Ray Higgs and Angela Newstead (skip).
n The Herts IBA's President's Select team went down by eight shots (85-77) to Hatfield on Saturday.
The county were also beaten by 33 shots (135-102) in their Courtenay Cup league match against Berkshire at the Desborough IBC, Maidenhead, last Wednesday.
