By Tom Brown IN his first indoor bowls tournament, Royston s Matt Coppen made it through to the last 16 of the National Indoor Under-25 finals. Representing Hitchin-based Riverain BC, Coppen comprehensively saw off Andrew Owens in the first round with

By Tom Brown

IN his first indoor bowls tournament, Royston's Matt Coppen made it through to the last 16 of the National Indoor Under-25 finals.

Representing Hitchin-based Riverain BC, Coppen comprehensively saw off Andrew Owens in the first round with his two set victory setting up a second round clash with the talented Kevin Carrie of East Sussex BC.

Unfortunately, the 17-year-old slipped up against the experienced Carrie and this time went down by two sets to the eventual semi finalist.

Coppen said: "It was a very tough competition and I knew that Kevin was always going to be hard to beat. I thought I did well considering it was my first indoor tournament, and I have no complaints in losing to Kevin because he is a very good indoor player.

"I'm obviously disappointed to have been knocked out when I did, but it was good experience. I'm now going to concentrate on the outdoor season with Royston BC which starts up again in April - I'm looking forward to it!