Nothing seems to be too big a hurdle for 17-year-old Kisha Monleon to tackle, and lawn bowls may well be the sport where she really makes her mark.
Multi-skilled in such activities as basketball, volleyball, women’s football, gymnastics and ballet, Kisha made a very favourable impression when she played for Kyneton’s division 3 pennant bowls side again Lancefield on Saturday.
Rain eventually washed out the match, but there was general agreement Kisha had shown more than enough to think she could elevate to a higher level … if she decides to take up the challenge.
The name ‘Mathison’ has been associated with bowls at Kyneton for generations, and it was highly credentialed Anthony Mathison who very recently informed Kisha she was to going to play pennant as she was now a club member.
Kisha’s brother, Cameron Mathison, turns nine this week and could even follow in her footsteps at some stage.
There’s seems no doubt Kisha’s had some valuable encouragement about bowls from Anthony and his father, Allan, still going strong in the top division with a milestone 80 years not too distant.
The Mathison duo attended Kyneton High School, where Kisha will be a vice-captain in 2024.
Using orange-coloured Aero 2.5 size bowls, Kisha played as a leader and a smooth delivery soon had her bowls in the count in what was only her third-ever teams’ appearance.
COMPETITIVE SPIRIT
I had the chance to speak to Kisha after the wash-out, and she said she enjoyed playing on grass rather than synthetic surfaces.
“I also like playing singles where I have four bowls … it’s good fun and I’m learning as I go.”
She also looks forward to eventually teaming up with club champion Anthony in mixed pairs.
“I’d love to be able to beat him, I have (in practise) a couple of times.”
Kisha said very few students at Kyneton High played bowls, and she would like to see more have a go.
And no surprise, she has been told all about Chloe Stewart’s meteoric rise from being a very, very young player at Kyneton going on to champion status, representing Australia and securing a bowls-orientated career at Tweed Heads.
Kisha said at this stage she had ambitions to eventually become a dermatologist, even though it took about 13 years to get to the top.
Obviously talented in various fields, Kisha said she had no trouble mixing her academic and sporting interests.
She played with Bendigo Pioneers and a Kyneton youth side in football last season, and now plays basketball at Bendigo and Kyneton, and volleyball at Riddells Creek.
Bowls is an across-generations sport, and Kisha said Kyneton players had given her plenty of encouragement.
Lancefield skipper Keith Webb also commended her after the game, suggesting she should certainly continue with bowls.
