A TEACHING assistant from Worle is hoping to go the distance at the national bowls championships in Nottingham this week.

Weston Mercury: Bowls player Andrew Owens with pupils.Bowls player Andrew Owens with pupils. (Image: Archant)

Mendip Green Primary School’s Andrew Owens, aged 28, competed in the men’s singles on Thursday before he teams up with another well-known Weston bowler, Barrie Forse, in the men’s pairs.

The former cricket ace previously represented Glamorgan’s second team before a knee injury forced him into early retirement.

But after a chat with former Mendip Green headteacher, Ellis Davies, Andrew decided to channel his efforts into a new sport.

He said: “I really enjoy the game. You meet all different people from all walks of life, playing in different areas and going to lots of venues.

“With bowls it’s a bit more relaxed than cricket. It’s really changed my attitude.

“I remember I used to play cricket and my temper was really bad because I didn’t like losing, but you’ve got to learn from the game.”

Should Andrew win the Nationals, he’ll look to compete in the British Isles Finals.

And he’s certainly not lacking confidence with ambitions of a trip to bowls Mecca, Potters, in the not-too-distant future.

He added: “I’m feeling confident of progressing and then, of course, one day I’m hoping to get to the World Indoor Bowls Championships.”

Andrew used to spend more than 20 hours a week perfecting his skills at St Andrew’s Bowls Club, in Thirlmere Road on the Bournville estate

But with his teaching, his support work with rehabilitation charity Milestones and his pending marriage to fiancée Lisa his time has been in huge demand.

He quipped: “Lisa’s been fantastic with me but she’s told me when we have children it’s going to be very different.”