One of Illawarra’s oldest lawn bowls tournaments has introduced one of its youngest players, with nine-year-old Thomas Holburn taking to the green at Fairy Meadow Bowling Club.

The pint-sized youngster had heads turning with the quality of his play on the opening day of the 54th annual South Pacific carnival yesterday.

Playing with his older brother Matthew, 14, Greg Jeans, 16, and his brother Matt Lovett-Jeans, the team from Glenbrook Bowling Club had a great day, even though they didn’t win their section of fours competition.

And while bowls is often associated with the older generation, Thomas has being putting them close to the kitty since he was six.

‘‘He’s into all sports, rep T-ball and cricket to name a few but he really loves his bowls,’’ Thomas’s mum Monique said.

‘‘When he was seven he won the club fours at Glenbrook and has won some money playing, which is a little why Matthew took a bit of an interest.’’

Yesterday was only Matthew’s second day of bowls and while the team won only one of their three games, they enjoyed themselves.

Greg Jeans and Thomas will be back in a couple of weeks to compete in the junior South Pacific at Warilla Bowling Club.

And while it’s the first time the Glenbrook boys have played in the senior South Pacific, they all have plenty of years on their side to come back again.