Tarnee Ingram finishes second at Junior 3 State Playoff

Until that point, it'd only been pairs and fours for Ingram who took up the game less than 12 months ago.

However, by the end of the first day of the playoffs she'd finished runner-up in the singles tournament - just missing out on a spot at the state championships.

She went down 21-8 to Tim Thorning in the final but came away having exceeded her own expectations.

"I've never played singles before so it was pretty good - I felt pretty good," Ingram said.

"I didn't think I'd make it that far."

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The Manilla Bowling Club member took up the game some time last year - Ingram's not sure exactly when - following in the footsteps of her dad Richard and pop Trevor who both play the sport.

It wasn't easy for Ingram at first.

She was used to playing sports like netball, oztag and rugby - bowls was a step back in pace.

But, Ingram got a handle on the game and is keen to keep playing.

Ingram hopes to head back to the state playoff, along with her speckled bowls, next year to have a crack at making the state championships.

Until then, Ingram will continue to play bowls on weekends at the Manilla club - a place the14-year-old has had some success at of late.

"Me and my dad just won pairs against my pop and my aunty - that was pretty good," Ingram said of the pairs win in the final round game at Manilla Bowling Club.

Pop Trevor thoughts on the result weren't the same as her granddaughter, delivering a line only a grandparent could.

"Pop said I was out of his will if we won," Ingram laughed.

WINNERS

Singles

Tim Thorning (Gunnedah Services)

Pairs

Tara and Zoe Stewart (West Tamworth)

Fours

Brock Phillips (Barraba), Elle Cameron (Gunnedah), Connor Walter (Inverell Sporties) and Tim Thorning (Gunnedah Services)