YOUTH bowlers Sophie McWhirter and Liam Downey have had a solid pat on the back for their sporting efforts. 

The two Delungra residents debuted as a pair at the Gulgong Junior Bowling Tournament over July 2 and 3, and came away with the Encouragement Award for their performance. 

Liam is a 14-year-old at Inverell High School, and said he enjoys the sport with about four years invested on the green. Sophie is 12 at Macintyre High School, and has played for about a year. She said the pair played for the first time at Gulgong. Both agreed they will make a return trip for a repeat performance next year.