Flood rebuild brings back signature bowling event

A FLOOD recovery has paved the way for South Lismore Bowling Club to revive its Australia Day Triples competition, marking its return after the pandemic and devastating 2022 floods.

About 20 teams from across the Northern Rivers district are expected to take part in the competition on Sunday, January 26.

Club member John Scholten said it is the first time they have run the event since the COVID-19 pandemic and floods in 2022.

“We had to rebuild the club from scratch with no flood insurance,” he said.

“We’re starting to tick along alright now and that helps us bring back events like this.”

The format of the competition mirrors the Bowls Premier League competition.

Each match consists of two five-end sets.

A one-end tie-break is played if required.

Both teams have a power play in each set which is worth double points.

“It’s a good format and a bit different than your normal bowls,” Scholten said.

“The power play makes it quite interesting and helps less-experienced teams compete.

“We were probably the first club around here to run a tournament in that format and it proved to be popular.”

Entries close on Friday, January 24 or until it reaches 28 teams.

It is scheduled for a 2pm start with a barbeque meal provided at the end of the third game.