Spending time “on the mat” has never been so much fun, according to Marlborough’s indoor bowls community.
The popular indoor sport is played throughout the province during the winter months, with organisers promoting it as a chance to test your skills, meet people and enjoy some friendly rivalry.
Marlborough Indoor Bowls are about to roll into another busy season and are keen to attract more players to their sport.
To this end they have organised a couple of promotional events, designed to provide an opportunity for new players to try their hand at the sport.
Open days will be staged at Simcox Stadium, in Batty’s Rd, on three consecutive Tuesdays – March 17, 24 and 31, beginning at 1pm each day. All current indoor bowlers and new players are invited to attend.
In conjunction with the open days, a “Family Fun Day” will be held at the same venue on Sunday, March 22, at 1pm. This event provides an opportunity for the whole family to have a go at mastering the simple yet rewarding game. Association coach Glen Hurcomb and several senior players will be on hand to provide assistance and tuition. Glen can be contacted on 03-5792574.
Glen explains the benefits of a sport which currently involves around 200 bowlers across the province.
“Indoor bowls is a low-cost sport with bowls and mats provided. It is a game that can be played by everyone, from eight to 108, either socially or at a more competitive level.
“The game also offers a mild level of exercise along with mental stimulation and good social contact. It requires careful game analysis and skills that make each game you play a real challenge of mind and wit.”
Marlborough currently has 10 clubs in operation, some playing Monday, the others on Wednesdays. Most provide on-going coaching and are always on the look-out for new members. Club playing times vary, enabling members to compete at times that best suit their lifestyle or location.
Along with regular club competitions, Marlborough Indoor Bowls choose players to take part in a series of representative fixtures staged across the top of the south and Canterbury throughout the season. The biggest of these is the annual Lemon Shield tournament, which involves 48 Marlborough players.
In June next year the NZ nationals will be staged at Stadium 2000, attracting up to 800 bowlers.
Club details
Playing Monday evenings
Clubs of Marlborough – 7pm – contact Glen Hurcomb 03-5792574
Witherlea – 7pm – contact Gary Parlane 03-5784706
Pastimes/Redwoodtown – 7.30pm – contact Errol Fairhurst 03-5788972
Playing Wednesday
Strand/Redwoodtown – 1pm – contact Debbie Wearing 03-5776750
Rai Valley – 5pm – contact Margaret Leslie 03-5728452
Waikawa – 7pm – contact John McCarthy 03-5739086
Blenheim South/Redwoodtown – 7.30pm – contact Diedre Wells 03-5787748
Grovetown/Wesley Foundry – 7.30pm – contact Morris 03-5786699
Linkwater – 7.30pm – contact Judith Andrews 03-5736919
Rapaura – 7.30pm – contact Julian Adams 03-5705971