The then 15-year-old initially lined up one Friday night for a bit of fun, but quickly found himself immersed in the sport when it became evident he was actually quite good at rolling the rock.
Four years on, the 19-year-old is helping break down perceptions attached to the sport of bowls.
The former James Hargest College pupil is part of a Gore Rams team playing in the new Bowls New Zealand Bowls3Five league.
The competition is played over a shortened format, with music blaring during games and has its own rules, including powerplays.
It has given a usually tame sport, which many associated with retired people, a shot in the arm.
The six-team league is played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in Auckland in a competition which started late last month and will run through to November.
All games are also screened live on Sky TV, which Hope said had been unusual, as they had gone from playing in front of a handful of people to a much bigger audience.
"When we were on the plane coming home, the lady next to me said, ‘you don’t play bowls do you? She said she had watched us play on TV the other night."
"The first night it was a bit nerve-racking with all the cameras around, but I’ve got used to it now."
Hope is part of the young Gore Rams team which includes fellow teenager Ashleigh Jeffcoat and is skipped by Sheldon Bagrie-Howley.
The trio produced a stunning start to the league, winning their opening four games to top the table.
However, last Wednesday night the Rams dropped both games, against the Point Chevalier Pirates and Royal Oak.
The Rams have slipped to third spot, but remain just one win behind the leaders.
Next up for the Gore team is the Stoke Valley Vipers tomorrow night, followed by Woodend on Wednesday night.
The competition format means the top qualifier advances straight to the final.
The second and third qualifiers will play off for the other the other final berth.
- Logan Savory
