Over 200 year 7 and 8 students gave outdoor sports bowls a go in an attempt to encourage more young people to take part.

Pupils from Epping St John’s School were invited by Epping Bowls Club on Lower Bury Lane to their second annual ‘Come and Try’ sessions on July 8 and July 15.

The opportunity to try something new is part of the school’s plans to offer alternative sports to students at the end of the school year.

Team members paired up with the youngsters and demonstrated how to play on the bowling green with many pupils admitting they had never heard of or seen the game played.

Tom McGarr, head of sport at Epping St John’s School, said: “We are delighted to have forged a partnership with Epping Bowls Club so that our students got a chance to play bowls.

“The staff could see how much the students enjoyed themselves and we are keen to plan regular sessions in the future.”

All six rinks were in use with two club members at each rink showing the youngsters the basics of bowls.

They soon got the hang of how to bowl their woods at the jack and after some practice were playing matches between themselves.

Epping Bowls Club has been established since 1911 and has been keen to attract youngsters to try the sport for themselves.

The Club had a stand at the recent Epping Show and used carpet and a hoop with a bell to encourage all ages to try their luck.

Men’s Captain Ron Perryman said: “It was a pleasure to entertain Epping St John’s pupils to play bowls again.

“They were enthusiastic and quickly settled into the technique of the game. We hope they will consider bowls as one of their sports for the future.

“The pupils were a credit to their school, and we look forward to doing all again next year.”

New members are welcome to ‘Come and Try’ sessions at the club which is opposite the back entrance of Epping St John’s School, visit

www.eppingbowlsclub.co.uk

for more details.