On January 15, Hornsea’s own James Baxter made his first appearance at the Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships.
And what an entrance!
Before the game, the opportunity was taken to get to know James a little better – not an easy task, as he is quite a shy and unassuming character. However, in the familiar surroundings of the Hornsea Bowls Centre bar, with the early matches showing on the big screen in the background, there was time for a chat.
James is just 29 and, in both age and appearance, immediately counters the stereotypical image of a bowler. So the first question was how he got into the sport.
“I was nine years old and jealous of my two sisters who were having fun at junior bowls sessions. My mum worked at the club so I saw them having fun and wanted some of it for myself.”
Some people are naturals at bowls, and James admitted this was the case for him. However, he also benefited from top coaching from Ian Paddy and soon found himself playing league games alongside much older players.
“I love the social side of bowls as everyone is so friendly,” said James, although he admitted there were one or two players who were not too keen on being beaten by a nine-year-old.
James continued playing through school and into his 20s, so what kept him involved in the sport?
“It’s the social side, plus bowls is just so addictive. I took a year out once but missed it too much so was soon back playing.”
James also works at Hornsea Bowls Centre, but admits this is not his dream job. His ambition is to work with dogs, and walking and training his black labrador, Lola, is his other big passion.
“That and socialising over a Guinness,” he added with a laugh.
What is even more remarkable is that this is James’ first year playing in the qualifiers as a singles player. He had previously entered in pairs with bowls partner Danny Clark, but this year Danny persuaded him to give the singles game a go. In his first attempt he reached the semi-finals at Hartlepool, and at his second attempt he made the final, qualifying for the World Championships in just his second singles tournament.
So does James prefer the singles game?
“No, not at all. I much prefer playing as part of a team as I love the banter.
“I’ve never entered any of the singles games in the English National Championships as I don’t have much time, lack transport and probably lack a bit of confidence. Bowls can be very demanding on your time if you enter both team and singles competitions.”
Competing can also be costly, particularly when qualifying events are held as far afield as Belfast. James has faced additional costs due to playing with quite a specialised bowl – a size 2.5 Aero Groove with no grip – and his own set is not a standard colour.
He added: “At the Championships, you play with red or green bowls depending on the draw, and bowlers normally have one set in these colours and can borrow any set from the venue.
“But the venue does not stock my bowls, so I had to buy a set of each colour just for the tournament. I play with green in my first match, but if I win that I will need red for my next match.”
Fortunately, Hornsea District Lions stepped in to help support James with some of the additional costs, for which he is very grateful.
James’ first match was against 10th seed Darren Burnett from Scotland, who has an impressive record in World Bowls. He won the singles event in 2014, the men’s and mixed pairs in 2016, plus men’s pairs titles in 2022 and 2024.
How did James feel about playing at Potters against such a formidable opponent?
“I’ve never played in front of such a big crowd who will be solely focused on my game. But it’s the best experience I could ever wish for. It’s what most bowlers aim for. It’s a new carpet this year which is running a bit faster, so it’s anyone’s game.”
And as for his game plan?
“I’m just going to zone in and play my best game.”
The format sees matches played over two sets, with a tie-break if each player wins a set. This is now also used in the club’s Monday night league, allowing players the chance to reset if they have a poor first set.
So what happened?
If success were judged purely on support and willpower, James would have been assured of victory. In addition to family and club members at Potters, the Hornsea Bowls Centre function room was packed with members watching the live stream on the club’s new big screen. The atmosphere was electric.
James took a while to settle and lost the first set, though not before showing he was no pushover. He then stormed back to take the second set 6–4, forcing a three-end tie-break.
James took the first end decisively and looked to have the second secured until Darren Burnett blasted his bowl away with a power shot.
It all came down to the final end, where the margins were incredibly fine, but it was just centimetres that separated the pair and handed victory to Burnett.
James added: “I am somewhat disappointed, but at the same time, I’m not,” he said. “It was an amazing experience.”
Everyone at the club is immensely proud of James, who pushed a multiple world title winner to a deciding set. And will he try to qualify again next year? “Yeah, definitely. Who wouldn’t want to do it again?”
There is no doubt the whole of Hornsea will be behind him as he looks to return to the world stage in the future.
And for anyone inspired to give bowls a try, Hornsea Bowls Centre is holding open days on Friday, January 30, from 4pm to 8pm, and Sunday, February 1, from 10am to 3pm. There is no need to book, all equipment is provided, and sessions are free.