Harvey Bowling Club’s Dante Burnham, 12, celebrates State pairs U18 win with South Perth teammate

A young Harvey bowls player has proved himself to one of the sport’s up and comers, with him and his playing partner taking home a State title.

Dante Burnham, 12, won the State under 18 pairs lawn bowls championship in Cockburn on April 13 in a partnership with South Perth Bowling Club’s Callum Alberti, 14.

He said it felt “pretty good” to take home the title.

“My mate and I were definitely really excited to win,“ he said.

Dante and Callum played three games over a number of days to make it into the semifinal, which the pair won by only one shot.

Their grand final match against a Merredin duo was a safer affair, with the pair getting over the line 18-13.

It might be natural for players in Dante’s position to be slightly intimidated by playing against people up to five years older than he is.

When asked about whether he found the older players intimidating, he replied “no, not really”.

Dante receives help from State coach Kelli Wray and senior members of the Harvey Bowling Club, though he has a fair bit of experience already having been on the green for three years.

In the other competitions, Dante made it through to the semifinal in both the under 18s singles and triples contests.

His next big goal is to make the State under 18 side for the nationals being played in WA in October.

The Harvey Bowling Club is now calling for expressions of interest for a potential South West junior bowls academy based at the club.

For more information get in touch by the Facebook page or call 9729 1704.