Fresh from her success winning the Hong Kong Classic women’s pairs, Canada’s Emma Boyd now has her sights set on winning a second title in the Asian city.
Emma, 24, is one of the competitors taking part in the 2024 World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship.
She spoke to World Bowls media officer Ceris Hewlings about her preparations and hopes.
WB: What are you most looking forward to at the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship?
EB: This year will be my last opportunity to play in this event as I turn 25 next year. I am excited to represent Canada once again and of course catch up with old friends and make new ones.
WB: You work at Club Tweed in Australia where you now live. How have you been preparing?
EB: Club Tweed have had a really big 12 months hosting some of Australia’s biggest events. Working in the bowls department alongside Wayne Turley, bowls manager, I am very grateful the club which is so supportive of my opportunities to represent Canada. In terms of preparation, we have a world class indoor facility that I have been playing on to practice for the event.
WB: Has anyone at your club given you advice for the event?
EB: I am really lucky to have close friends and members at the club give me advice about the surface and my preparation for the event, but ultimately, I have been working with the Bowls Canada support staff and IST groups.
WB: What does it mean to you to be part of a successful bowls club?
EB: I feel incredibly privileged to work and play at Club Tweed. I joined the club six years ago, moving here from Canada, thanks to my good friend Chloe Stewart, who invited me to join as she was working in the bowls department and looking to grow the ladies’ side of the club. It’s been amazing to watch the women’s division go from strength to strength over the past six years. Beyond that, Club Tweed has flourished, hosting prestigious events, winning four BPL titles, and seeing fantastic achievements from our members. This success stems from the strong support of our CEO, Gerard Robinson, and our board, who are committed to every level of bowls, from grassroots to elite players. I am so proud to be part of a club that truly embraces inclusivity. Club Tweed has created a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds, abilities and skill levels, making it a fantastic community for everyone.
WB: While you live in Australia, how important is it for you to don the Canadian colours?
EB: Wearing the Canadian colours is super special to me. Every time I get the chance to represent my country, it’s an incredibly special feeling, and it’s something I never take for granted. Being selected for this event is a genuine honour, especially knowing the amazing young talent we have in Canada. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent my roots and to make my country proud.
WB: You won the 2017 mixed triples in this event in Wales, what memories do you have of that tournament?
EB: Winning the 2017 mixed triples event with Daniel Salmon and Mark O’Hagan was really eye opening for me as at that time I was only 17 years old. I think it ignited something in me to pursue bowls more seriously and take a chance and move to Australia to have more opportunity in the bowls space.
WB: This year, you will be playing mixed pairs with Owen Kirby, what do you know about Owen’s game?
EB: Owen is a gun; he is a great draw bowler and very consistent. He has just won the Canadian nationals singles and pairs. We played juniors bowls back in Canada and he also attended this event in 2017 and 2022. I am excited for the opportunity for Owen and I to be selected together and have to thank our Canadian head coach Derek Dillan for his support of both of us.
WB: You’ve already had a successful 2024. Firstly, tell me about the Australian Open fours and how’s life been after that triumph?
EB: Winning the Australian Open fours with Kelly McKerihen, Leanne Chinery, and our honorary Canadian, Louise Cronan, was a dream come true. Sharing that victory with such close friends made it all the more special. The year has continued to be incredible, especially with back-to-back state pennant titles with my mighty Tweed Ospreys – a close second among my favourite achievements.
WB: Congratulations too on winning the Hong Kong Classic pairs. How did you enjoy the event?
EB: Thank you. This was my first time attending the Hong Kong Classic, and I had always heard incredible things about it. Receiving the invitation was such an honour, and I was thrilled to take part. My pairs partner, Kelly McKerihen, and I travelled from Australia for the event, and it truly exceeded all expectations. The hospitality at each club was world-class, and the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association were exceptional hosts. A special thank you to Craigengower Cricket Club, our host club, for their gracious hospitality. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces while also forming new friendships. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure.
WB: It was challenging with the weather – playing indoor and out. How did you cope?
EB: During our time in Hong Kong, we experienced two typhoon warnings, including a level eight alert. This presented a unique challenge for both organisers and players, as venues had to be rearranged, and everyone had to adapt to last-minute changes in the group and finals stages. The HKLBA and the organising committee faced significant challenges during the event due to the wet conditions but managed them exceptionally well. When Kelly and I learned that we would go from playing on nine-second grass in the semi-final to a 17-second indoor carpet for the final, we approached it with the mindset that it was out of our control – we could only focus on playing our game. To adjust, we each found different sets of bowls suited for the faster carpet conditions from the members at Craigengower Cricket Club. Congratulations to the English ladies on making it into the final two years in a row, a major feat. 2024 has truly been unforgettable, from being selected for the Atlantic Challenge in Scotland, the HK Classic, and World U25s, to a major personal milestone – getting engaged to my partner, Dale Mcwhinney Shillington, Now we just need to find a wedding date when neither of us is on the green.
The 2024 World Bowls Indoor Junior Championship takes place between December 2-8 at Hong Kong Football Club.
For more information regarding event, see www.worldbowls.com
Caption: Hong Kong Classic pairs winners Emma Boyd (left) and Kelly McKerihen.
For more information regarding event, contact: Neil Dalrymple, CEO, World Bowls, [email protected]
Author: Ceris Hewlings, World Bowls media officer
