Learmonth young gun Addy Ryan is a star on the rise
Learmonth Bowling Club’s Addy Ryan is a rising star in the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region and beyond, fast making a name for herself in the world of lawn bowls.
The talented 15yo has had a memorable year at both local and state level, culminating with a Bronze Medal at the Nationals in Perth.
We caught up with Addy to learn more about this impressive young lady and bowler.
“I started playing bowls in 2019 at 11 years old and played my first pennant game in 2020 at 12 years old,” Addy said.
“It all started when I was dragged along to Dad’s bowls practice and was bored, so I got an old set of bowls from out the back and ended up really enjoying it.”
“I enjoyed getting to play with dad and enjoyed the different type of game, so I continued on from then.”
Addy’s father, David Ryan, skips in Learmonth’s Division 1 side and Addy is currently playing third to him.
Ballarat Gold Diggers Bound
The natural progression for budding junior bowlers is to join the Ballarat Gold Diggers squad for U18 juniors, currently under the watchful eye of Victoria’s Marc Oswin.
“I joined the Gold Digger squad in my first season, and it really helped me to develop my game,” Addy said.
“Gerry, Murray and Barry were all the main coaches at that time and they encouraged me to keep going to their trainings and keep playing bowls, and they were very supportive and helpful.”
“I am still a part of the Gold Diggers and really enjoy being able to help the younger kids, since I remember how the older kids helped me when I was just starting.”
Addy, with fellow Ballarat Gold Diggers Micah Oswin (Victoria Bowling Club), Logan Mattei (North Ballarat Bowling Club) and Jack Baldwin (North Ballarat Bowling Club) at the Doug Kneebone Tournament in September at Club Sunbury where they managed 5 wins and Addy received the Girl Player of the Tournament award.
Victoria and a Bronze Medal awaits
Addy made her debut for the Victorian U18 state side in July and was part of the successful Victorian Tri Series squad that defeated Queensland and New South Wales.
“I first trialled for the under 18 VIC team in 2021 and was part of the squad of 12 girls until July this year when I made the team for the Tri Series between QLD and NSW.”
“It was an amazing experience to debut for my state, I met so many amazing people and learnt many new skills and techniques for my game just by playing with different people at a higher level.”
A positive attitude and mindset assisted Addy in her Victorian debut.
“When making my debut for the Victoria team, I went in open minded and ready to learn new things.”
“I was grateful to be able to participate in that event and was proud of myself no matter what the outcome.”
“I knew there was going to be a different level of bowls and it made me more determined to improve my game, and I stayed dedicated to my game and went into the series feeling very well prepared.”
Unlucky to miss selection for the Victorian U18 Nationals side to play in Perth in October, Addy was teamed up with Melton’s Lily Dodd in a composite pairs side.
“I had the privilege to play with Lily in the composite team in Perth,” Addy said.
“The greens were a much quicker pace; however I adapted quick and used the practice day to help the change be easier.”
“Lily and I both went into the pairs very positive and relaxed; this helped us to have fun along the way and have a better mindset to play better.”
“We didn’t really have a game plan, we just wanted to make sure we supported each other to the best of our abilities, to allow for us to get a result that we wanted.”
The relaxed approach worked perfectly, as the pair went on to snare a Bronze Medal in an outstanding achievement for both bowlers.
Addy Ryan and Lily Dodd (Melton) with Bronze Medals at the Nationals.
Read about Addy and Lily’s Bronze medal win here.
BHBR and Provincial Shield Success
Addy’s fast development has seen her represent the region multiple times in her short bowling career, most recently at the Provincial Shield at Sebastopol Bowling Club in November.
“I played in the Provincial Shield Championships recently and really enjoyed being a part of that team.”
“I loved playing with local bowlers at that higher level, it is a great environment to play in.”
“I had a lot of fun with my rink, and luckily enough BHBR ladies and men both won overall.”
We asked Addy how playing local bowls compared to playing at state level.
“Playing with local representative teams compared to the Under 18 squad is very similar in some ways,” Addy said.
“The different level of bowls compared to pennant is very different and played at a higher level, and I think state level is a higher and stronger competition, but I enjoy playing for both.”
The Future is Bright
After such a successful year, upcoming goals for Addy are to simply work on her game.
“Goals for my bowls coming into the future are to improve my bowls ability and skills,” Addy said.
“To work my way to try to play at the highest level of bowls I can.”
A young bowler needs passion and inspiration to continue playing bowls and Addy’s father David has been a constant source of support for his daughter.
“During my bowls I have been inspired by many people, a standout for me is my dad,” Addy said.
“He’s been a huge influence and inspiration since I began playing, always supporting me in every game and encouraging me to be my best.”
Former Gold Digger Dusty Taylor-Irwin has also played a role in Addy’s development.
“Since starting the junior program in Ballarat, Dusty Taylor-Irwin has been a huge inspiration to me, she took me under her wing and helped me to continue playing good bowls,” Addy said.
Addy’s home club Learmonth also played a big part along the way.
“Learmonth Bowling Club have been an amazing club to bowl at, each and every member always are so encouraging and welcoming,” Addy said.
“I’ve played a lot of bowls with one of my biggest influences, Dave Kelly, and he is always one of my biggest supporters and never fails to make me have fun when playing.”
So, if Addy could choose any three players to bowl alongside her in a major Fours event, who would they be?
“Picking people to play with is a very hard decision,” Addy said.
“I’ve played with and against many good players to play in a major fours event.”
“I would choose, Matt Flapper, as he’s very encouraging and a very strong and talented bowler.”
“Brenton Coad for what he’s achieved in the last 12 months and how he’s become a big inspiration in Ballarat bowls for me and supported me, and Olivia Cartwright since she’s a huge inspiration as a woman bowler and very talented, with a bright future ahead.”
So, what’s Addy’s go to drill on the bowling green?
“I like to do a short and long jack drill at trainings, bowling a forehand and backhand to each, which helps to improve weight control and consistency.”
“In the under 18 squads, we do a few different drills to work on different things.”
“We often do a range of drawing and driving drills, such as drawing around set up bowls/cones, game play and more.”
“A favourite I’ve done with the squad is the 40 bowl drill, it focuses on consistency and controlling your own game.”
Addy’s choice of lawn bowl is Henselite XG’s in a size 2 and her favourite Ballarat Highlands green to play is currently Webbcona’s front grass green.
“My favourite grass greens to play on would definitely have to be over in Sorrento in Perth,” Addy said.
So, what advice does Addy have for young bowlers wanting to take up the game of lawn bowls.
“For any young person willing to start playing bowls, my advice would be to ignore everyone who disagrees or hates on what you decide to do/play, and just keep doing what makes you happy.”
Sound advice from one of Ballarat’s brightest young stars and the Ballarat Highlands Bowls Region is in good young hands.
We thank Addy Ryan for her time and wish her all the best in bowls, and also life, and look forward to following her bowls exploits in the years ahead!
Early days for Addy Ryan at Learmonth Bowling Club.