On the weekend of 19th and 20th of January popular local Bowler Mike Ashmole travelled to Nottingham to compete in the Ann Trotman Disability Bowls Singles at Gedling IBC. The reason Mike entered this was to gain off Island Competition and also to be assessed and become registered with his disability so that he can become classified and enter competitions within his own classification group.
In the competition Mike represented the Island well and in his first game beat Dave Fisher a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist. He then went on to more success before coming up against two very good bowlers, one of which was Paul Hawkes – an experienced visually impaired England International – who has invited Mike to team up with him in a Triples Team later in the year.
During the competition, Mike who has Spina Bifida, was classified as a B6 which means that he can now compete in the same class as Wheelchair Bowlers and all at the Isle of Man Indoor Bowling Association wish him success with his intention of competing in future off Island Competitions.