Fifteen is pretty young to be making a name in men’s bowls but Dylan Skinner has been impressing the right people for a long time.

The Illawarra bowler is playing his fifth South Pacific Carnival; he bowed out to Shane Garvey in last year’s singles semi-finals in one of the matches of the tournament.

With a bowls CV to make a player of any age proud, Skinner says the carnival is one of his favourite events and one he wants to continue to play well in.

‘‘I’d love to have a great run like last year because this is an event which means a lot to me,’’ Skinner said.

‘‘You look at some of the guys who are playing here like Jeremy Henry, Steve Glasson, Shane Garvey, John Green and others. It’s just fantastic.

‘‘This year I’m approaching it like a fresh start and don’t want to have any pressure of expectation because I had a good run last year. I want to keep my head down and not get caught up in last year.’’

 Skinner took the next step in his bowls career, leaving Figtree RSL BC earlier this year  to join Australian bowls coach Steve Glasson at Mt Lewis BC.

‘‘I’ve had the chance in pennants to play lead for Steve and it’s been a great experience.’’

  The past 12 months were good  for Skinner, who won the NSW junior singles and fours, and claimed the open state triples title at East Maitland BC.

His biggest goals for 2014 come early on – Skinner hopes to retain his spot in the national under-18 team to play New Zealand in a trans-Tasman series in Melbourne in March.

 ‘‘Playing in the trans-Tasman in New Zealand this year was huge.’’

For the next week his focus is the carnival; he’s playing in the fours, singles and pairs.

Skinner already made an impressive start; he’s into the fours semi-finals playing third for Chris Green, won his singles section and won all three games with Green in the pairs.