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PAUL HARTLEY CROWNED SUMMER NATIONAL SINGLES AND PAIRS CHAMPION |
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Hot on the heels of international
success and national titles, last weekend Paul added two more
trophies to his collection with a string of brilliant performances
at Melton IBC. After winning the Summer Pairs alongside good friend David Bolt, Paul also lifted the singles crown, the perfect continuation of a dream season. "Having lost so many PBA qualifying finals, to finally get over the line in both the Scottish International and the World Singles at Potters gave me huge confidence," he explained. "To then carry that on with wins in the National Mixed Fours and Open Pairs was a dream finish to the indoor season." Winning the summer events was, however, just as special.  "It's a really good start to a long winter season. Having played outdoors all summer, the indoor nationals were really just to keep ourselves ticking over as they say - but to come away with the two titles was very enjoyable. And winning with a good friend is always special." Career highlights and special memories Paul's CV is filled with standout moments, from representing England to competing on the famous portable rink at Potters. But for him, one early victory stands above the rest. "My first national title was the Champion of Champions at Hayling Island," he said. "It was the only one my dad got to see before he passed away, and to see his face when I won will always be a special memory. Also, every time I'm fortunate enough to be selected for England - the feeling of representing your country is the best. "It's simply a privilege and an honour. To be selected into a team with the best players in your country is something I would never take for granted." That sense of pride was on full display earlier this year when Hartley reached the quarter-finals of the World Indoor Singles Championship. "Potters is without doubt the best place to play bowls," Paul said. "The hospitality from the resort itself is outstanding, but when you actually enter the venue for your match and the walk-on music starts, you can't help but feel the buzz of the crowd. It's just the best feeling." A lifelong love Paul first picked up a bowl at his local outdoor green in Blackhall, following in the footsteps of his dad and uncles. "I used to always be told off for playing football on the green, so one day I decided to have a go and got hooked," he laughs. "The first year I was allowed to officially join the club was 1988, when I turned 13, but I probably first threw a bowl when I was about nine or ten. Thankfully the rules have moved with the times!"  Now, decades later, his love for the sport remains as strong as ever. "I'm a very competitive person, so to still play a sport with winners and losers at my age is great. But once the game is finished, the social side comes into it - and I'd like to think I've made friends for life through bowls." Looking ahead Paul is keeping his goals simple for the next 12 months: "To be honest, it's the same as the beginning of every season - try and play as well and as consistently as possible, then hopefully the rewards will come." And with two more national titles under his belt, he's already off to a strong start. Why the Summer Nationals matter As one of the standout performers at this year's Summer Nationals, Paul is quick to underline their importance. "Outdoor greens are so dependent on the people looking after them, and unfortunately too many aren't at the standard we'd all like," he said. "For some players, the Summer Nationals help bridge the gap from one season to the next on surfaces they can really compete on. If we always had Leamington-standard surfaces, outdoors would still be the preferred choice in summer - but these competitions give players vital opportunities to keep their game sharp." Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Introducing Clacton Bowls Academy |
September 2025
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