Local bowlers to mix it with Australian champions in Summerland Series

THE best lawn bowlers from around country will be tested by a strong local contingent at the annual Summerland Series at Cherry Street Sports Club, Ballina.

The competition has a prize pool of $25,600 with the pairs to be played between December 27-29 with the singles from January 2-4.

Byron Bay bowler Michael Anderson will be back again after winning the pairs with Australian representative Corey Wedlock.

Anderson won the singles in 2011, when he was one of the top-ranked bowlers in the state.

Wedlock achieved a rare feat when he went on to win the singles last year with 414 Australian Ranking points up for grabs once again.

Local bowlers will make up part of the field, with many having played finals at the signature event.

Clinton Bailey was one of the early entrants from the Gold Coast this year, with selectors narrowing the list from about 100, down to 64 bowlers in both events.

“It’s a prestigious tournament and its one that’s been going for more than 50 years now,” event organiser Warren Binney said.

“We have a look at who’s been here before and what other tournaments they’ve played in.

“If they lost all three games in the pairs last time, then they miss out this year, so it’s competitive.

“Most of the entries come from bowlers in premier leagues, and you’ll definitely come up against Australian bowlers ranked in the top 20.”

Former Ballina junior Aaron Teys has won the pairs and singles and was a finalist in the Golden Nugget at Tweed earlier this year.

He plays in the Australian team with the likes of Ben Twist, who is also a previous winner.

Alstonville bowler Peter Taylor the last local to win the singles in 2020.

Taylor made the quarter-finals last year and will be one to watch, along with Ballina bowler Luke Jones who played in the 2024 singles final.

Irish Commonwealth Games gold medallist Gary Kelly was a finalist last year and will be back again.

The tournament is live streamed with volunteers from the across the region participating as umpires and match officials.