“I’ve met some expert bowlers at the Community Games.”

Rayner, who was the youngest in the field of competitors, bowling for Moulmein-Kallang. (Photo 1 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Orchid Country Club, Sunday, April 29, 2012 — Rayner Ng, 14, was the youngest of 73 bowlers taking to the lanes for the Community Games bowling competition.

The tall and lanky teenager bowled a three-game total of 364 pinfalls with a best-game score of 132.

“I played at Kolam Ayer CC and got third place in a competition,” said Rayner, a student at St Gabriel’s Secondary. “They then called me to play at the Community Games.”

“My parents introduced me to the sport when I was 7 years old. When I was in Primary 1, I had the ball in hand already,” added Rayner.

“I got to know people from the CC competition. I got to meet new friends. It’s a bit shocking playing against adults. They have different styles and different balls. I only have one ball but one guy here had five balls!” said Rayner, who uses a 12 pound ball.

“Some of the adults gave me advice, so that made me less nervous. After awhile, I got used to [playing with adults],” added Rayner.

Rayner also bowled in the mixed team category for Kolam Ayer. His team of four bowlers finished fourth in the Moulmein-Kallang Cluster competition on April 15th. Rayner bowled a 359 three-game total on that day, with his best game a 147.

“Some of the people were in my age group, so that makes me less nervous,” said Rayner, referring to the mixed team competition.

“I used to bowl for Maris Stella when I was in Primary 4 to 6, but St Gabriel’s doesn’t have bowling. I bowl once a week with mum, sometimes with friends. As long as I get a chance to throw a ball, I’m happy.”

“I’ve met some expert bowlers [at the Community Games] and might even have some lessons with them,” said Rayner.

73 bowlers from seven clusters — Ang Mo Kio, Bishan-Toa Payoh, Tanjong Pagar, Moulmein-Kallang, Holland-Bukit Timah, Nee Soon, Sembawang — took part in the morning session. There were even more bowlers scheduled to bowl in the afternoon and evening at Orchid Country Club.

Erick Ching of Sembawang Cluster was the best bowler with a 652 total.

All 73 bowlers will face off against each other again for another round on July 15th at the same venue.

The best bowlers will represent their cluster at the Singapore National Games scheduled for September 1st to 9th.

Community Games 2012 official website