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FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP AND FIERCE COMPETITION: MEET KENT'S RISING STARS
In just under two years, sisters Eden and Olive Nolan have
become two of the most exciting young talents on the Kent indoor
bowls scene.
What began as a way to pass the time has turned into a
passionate family pursuit - and the sisters are already making waves
across the county.
Eden, 16, first picked up a bowl in May 2023 at Orpington Bowls
Club, Goddington, searching for a new hobby. After just a few
sessions, she introduced her younger sister Olive, 14, to the junior
section. Soon after, their parents joined too - and the competition
quickly became a family affair.
"When the indoor season started, we followed the other juniors
from Orpington and joined Bromley Indoor Bowls Club," the sisters
explain. "We really started to enjoy it and loved the atmosphere at
the club. We'd never done anything like it before."
Since
then, Eden and Olive have thrown themselves into every opportunity.
In their second indoor season, they entered every club competition
they could - and even some county events - determined to gain
experience and push themselves to new heights.
Their efforts
paid off with impressive achievements. Together, they reached the
semi-finals of the U18 County Triples Double Rink at Nottingham, won
the prestigious Valanndor Trophy for Bromley, and Eden, partnering
with Harry Duffield, made it to the semi-finals of the County Mixed
Pairs last season, facing off against elite players Sandy Hazel and
Isaac Jenner on their way.
One of the toughest challenges so
far came when the sisters had to play each other in the final of the
Kent Ladies Under 25 Singles this year.
"Playing against each
other is always hard because you want to win but you're playing
someone you spend so much time with," Olive said. "I came away with
the win this time, but I know the next time will be even more
competitive."
Both sisters describe themselves as "draw
bowlers," typically playing lead or second positions.
Role models have played a big part in their journey so far. Eden
and Olive credit players like Harry Duffield, Diane Clarke and
Connor Stephens for helping them improve and providing opportunities
to experience bigger matches.
Looking ahead, the sisters have
big ambitions. Eden attended the Under 18 England team trials this
season, and both are determined to put themselves up for nomination
next year. They also have their sights set on more trips to
Nottingham - and this time, they hope to come back with trophies.
For Eden and Olive, the love of the game goes beyond
competitions.
"One of the things we love about bowling is the
relationships we've built with people and the way it bridges
generations," they said. "It's such a welcoming sport."
They're also passionate about encouraging more young people,
especially girls, to give bowls a try.
"There's not many
Under 18s who enter competitions, sometimes because they think
they're not experienced enough," they explained. "But the only way
to get better is to play. We hope more young people will get
involved next season."
With Eden's trusted Drakes Pride
Professionals and Olive's Taylor Blazes in hand, the sisters are
proving that youth, determination, and a love for the sport are a
winning combination. The Kent bowls scene had better watch out -
this is just the beginning.
Sian Honnor.
We' d love to know what bowls means to you,
get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk
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