Clubs cash in on state bowls finals

BALLINA has enjoyed a major economic boost, with hundreds of competitors taking part in the Bowls NSW State Championships this week.

It is just the second time the event has been held outside a metropolitan area and is expected to inject at least $2 million into the community.

About 900 bowlers have visited the region over the past week with the competition to finish on April 6.

The 16-day competition has already seen Australian representatives Brianna Smith and Ben Twist win the mixed pairs final.

Matches are being played Cherry Street Sports, Ballina, Club Lennox and Plateau Sports Alstonville with dozens of local volunteers helping on the rinks and greens.

Cherry Street Sports community engagement and marketing officer Jackson Connellan said the event has multiple benefits for the region.

“It puts the whole region on a national and international level,” he said.

“Bowls NSW are live streaming every day to a potential world-wide audience.

“We’ve benefited from the state body wanting to showcase the game while giving something back at a regional level.

“The amount of people passing through over the two-week period will end up being in the thousands.

“Our greenkeeper Duncan Elphick is one of the best in the state and he really wanted to showcase what he could do, too.”

The five-day all abilities section for disabled bowlers was a highlight for the competition.

Bangalow bowler Richard Rombouts won the All Abilities reserve singles, while Cudgen’s Fred McConnell took home the bronze medal.

Rombouts also won the open pairs with Nelson Bay’s John Gibson with James Reynolds the open singles champion.

“It was special to see how much it meant to them,” Connellan said.

“I was blown away by the level they were able to compete at, too.

Each of the 16 divisions in the main draw has a Northern Rivers representative after they came through regional qualification.

It makes it a rare event to have so many local competitors playing in a state-run competition in their own zone.

“It’s a great to showcase to the younger generation about the different demographics in the sport,” Connellan said.

“We’re going to try and use it as a bit of a recruitment tool to draw in some kids if we can.

Ballina has already secured hosting rights for 2027.