A BRILLIANT bowler who took home the top prize in EIGHT competitions last season and became the youngest person ever to win a prestigious national title is now set to represent his country.
Greenock schoolboy Astyn McKechnie, 14, enjoyed a storming season last year which saw him win accolades at national, county and local level.
His big wins included a triumph in the final of Scottish Young Indoor Bowling Association's Young Masters under-17 competition, which was shown live on the BBC.
Astyn’s victory over fellow finalist Blair Gourley made him the youngest player ever to win the competition.
His excellent performances earned him a place on the Scottish Young Indoor Bowling Association under 17s team, which he is looking forward to participating in this year.
The talented teenager told the Tele playing for Scotland was a dream come true.
Astyn said: “It’s my first time being involved in a Scotland set up and I’m enjoying it.
“Last year felt brilliant, every single one I won was special.
“I just want to keep going this year and produce more of the same.
“I enjoyed being on the BBC, but I didn’t notice the cameras, they were behind big black curtains so it wasn’t something that was on my mind.
“I just knew I had to take it an end at a time and do what I would normally do.
“Even when I went behind I knew I had a tiebreaker to rely on too, which kept me from losing my cool.”
Victoria Bowling Club member Astyn said he was also proud to become the youngest person ever to win his own club’s championship.
He said: “Retaining the club championship would be amazing this year and I’d love to have another chance at the young masters on the telly.
“But it’s not about making markers for yourself, you wait until you’ve started and see how you get on.
“I practice two or three times a week, but it’s about keeping to it as often as you can.
“There are times when I could sit in the house, but I choose to come here instead, it’s good getting out and enjoying yourself like that.
“It’s good to meet new people, to play against new people and to play against brilliant people and test yourself.
Astyn’s proud father Mark hailed his son’s incredible performances and said the youngster had learned a lot from playing locally at Victoria Bowling Club and at Inverclyde Indoor Bowling Club.
Mark said: “He told me a few years back his dream was to play for Scotland, he’s 14 now and he’s already achieved that dream.
“And to achieve the bigger dreams he’s in and around the right people. He’s not out on the street, he’s on a bowling green or at the indoor or playing in competitions.
“He’s made a lot of friends and retained a lot of friends through bowling which makes me proud because then I’m not worrying if he’s in with the wrong crowd.
“I know everyone’s supporting him and focussing on him.
“Within the indoor there’s a lot of senior members who will give him a push and tell him not to give up.
“It used to be if he got beat it was the end of the world, now he just thinks he’ll win it next time.
“It’s good to see the belief is there.
“I was outside during that final, hiding. I was worried he was going to lose the plot, but he kept his composure.
“It’s hard to describe how proud I was. I was on cloud nine, but I didn’t want to go overboard, it’s about savouring the moment.
“It’s been unbelievable seeing him bring back eight trophies.”
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