Noble Park Bowls Club president and greenkeeper Jim McCallum has his eyes on first prize for next month’s annual fours tournament.By Glen Atwell
THE Noble Park Bowls Club is holding its annual fours tournament, and the good news for local bowlers is that there is money up for grabs.
A total of $1200 prize money is on the line for the tournament, to be played on 6 January, with the event open to Royal Victorian Bowls Association (RVBA) bowlers in Divisions Two to Eight.
In other words, Division One bowlers – the cream of the local crop – have been ordered from the green.
But Noble Park Bowls Club chairman Reg Vernon said the decision to exclude Division One bowlers was in the best interest of the high-stakes tournament.
“Division One bowlers would simply enter the tournament and walk away with the money,” he said. “It’s not really fair. To keep it for bowlers between Divisions Two and Eight keeps it fair, but still competitive.”
More than 16 teams, including those from Burden Park, Cranbourne and Clayton, have entered the 32-team tournament and positions are filling fast.
“It’s a 32-team tournament, four players per team, $60 (entry) per team,” Vernon said. The tournament is played over three games, each of 13 ends, and the winning team receives a $600 payday.
“The bowlers love and really get into it and have a good day,” Vernon said. “There isn’t too many tournaments that aren’t dominated by Division One bowlers, so this is a good chance for the rest of us to shine.”
Noble Park Bowls Club member Ray Martin agrees.
“I think it’s a good idea to limit the quality of the field, or the top-notch bowlers scoop all the money,” he said.
To enter the tournament, call Harry Murray on 9795 1915 or Ray Martin on 9798 1317.
