Champ Matt going for indoor glory
ROYSTON bowls champion Matt Coppen looks is transferring his outdoor success to the indoor arena, by qualifying for the National Indoor Under-25 finals. After dominating the outdoor circuit, the talented 17-year-old has been busy impressing in the indoo
ROYSTON bowls champion Matt Coppen looks is transferring his outdoor success to the indoor arena, by qualifying for the National Indoor Under-25 finals.
After dominating the outdoor circuit, the talented 17-year-old has been busy impressing in the indoor game - seeing off Watford's Michael Cole in two straight sets (17-5 and 14-1) to qualify for his first indoor final.
Coppen told The Crow: "This is the first indoor competition that I have entered and it's been going really well so far - I'm quite surprised.
"I won the final of the Hertfordshire area fairly comfortably and as a result I've qualified for the national under-25 final at the beginning of March."
Coppen is well known for his trophy laden exploits for Royston Bowls Club - however he will be representing Hitchin-based Riverain Bowls Club at the final.
Taking on the cream of England's under-25 bowlers, if successful, Coppen will claim his second national title after being crowned British Junior Singles Bowls Under-25 Champion in July last year.
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In what was a triumphant outdoor season, Coppen also won the county under-25 singles crown and the under-30 title.
He said: "Indoor bowls is a lot different from playing outdoors. For a start it's a lot faster.
"But I'm enjoying it and I'm really looking forward to the final - it should be a good competition.
"It's going to be tough, but I'm confident I can do well. And it would be great to win another national title!"
# The National Indoor Under-25 finals take place on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2, in Basingstoke.
