Jack is top of the Scots at last!

Soon after scooping a clutch of medals for his native Scotland at the Junior Triple Crown national tournament in Coventry, Ravenshead tenpin bowling ace Jack Kerr proved he is top of the Scots by winning the Junior Scottish Open.

The annual tournament was at AMF Stirling and Jack had something to prove.

“Although I have previously won both the Junior Welsh and Junior Irish Opens, I always seem to finish second at my home event,” he said.

“After finishing top U16 boy at the Triple Crown in August, ahead of the best 24 bowlers from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, I knew I was capable of winning.

“But finishing first in this event involves, first of all, making it into the top six after bowling six games and then having to beat every other finalist in a head to head play-off.

“So a lot of mental strength is needed as well as skill and stamina. This time I managed to get my nerves under control and kept my cool to achieve my goal of finishing top U19 boy.”

Jack, who attends Sixth Form College at the Joseph Whitaker School,” added: “I’m really lucky as my friends are very supportive.

He said: “They used to challenge me at bowling as they thought they could beat me, but now they’ve seen that my scores often exceed 200 they realise it’s not just a game of luck.”

Jack, who also bowls for Nottinghamshire County’s adult team, has a busy couple of months ahead and is due to compete at the Lincolnshire Open in October and the Junior Irish Open in November. He also finishes the season by bowling in the Scottish Junior Fours in Ayr, where he must play well to secure a place at the European Youth Championships in Germany next year.

“Winning the Scottish Open means I’m on track to qualify at the moment, so I just need to concentrate and play my best to maintain my position in the team,” explained Jack.

“Then I will need to start trying to raise funds for the trip as we have to pay all of our own expenses including travel, accommodation and tournament fees. I’d be delighted to hear from any companies or individuals who could help with sponsorship.”

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