Bowling twins on a roll

May 10 2007 By Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Mail

TEENAGE twins Kirsty and Adam Richards are getting used to bowling over the opposition.

The 13-year-olds, who play at the City of Birmingham Bowls Club, in Stirchley, have taken the sport by storm breaking new records and winning countless titles between them.

Coach Neville Shaw said for her age Kirsty has achieved more than any girl in the country.

Most recently, the shy pupil at Woodrush School, in Hollywood, outshone her opponents at the Warwickshire School of Excellence with the best score of the day out of the boys and girls.

Kirsty was also the youngest player ever to attend the National School of Excellence. She also beat veteran player 60-year-old Jack Badham who had dominated the honours board since the club opened in 1985.

As a seven-year-old Adam was touted by bowling legend David Bryant as one of the best youngsters he had ever seen. Adam now plays for the county under-25s team, indoor and outdoor.

Neville, aged 70, said: "You can't put a cigarette paper between them.

"Kirsty's a talented girl and wants to specialise as a lead which means she'll go first in a team game.

"She is just so concentrated."

Kirsty, who bowls up to five times a week, said: "In a big match I just block everything out and try to concentrate."

The club wants to recruit more juniors and is holding free coaching sessions. For details ring 0121 464 0784.