Busy time for indoor bowls

No sooner does the summer tournament conclude this week than the winter indoor bowls season starts up.

It runs through to September at six clubs in the Nelson Indoor Bowls Association – Wakapuaka, Stoke, Suburbs, Waimea, Hope and Dovedale.

“We have around a hundred members but are looking for more to join up. Our youngest is 12-year-old Freddie Persico Junior and we are keen to attract more younger players,” says association president Peter Hanley.

Peter plays out of the Suburban club in Warnes Indoor Bowling Stadium where the summer competition has been staged. The association owns the building which doubles as bowls headquarters. Five mats were in action last Wednesday with 10 pairs teams in action.

“We pull the names out of a hat, although you can change teams if you want.”

The games were running for 35 minutes rather than the number of ends, with an equal mix of male and female players. While it is social there were also four or five representative players competing, including Peter himself.

“We have some top players in Nelson and the standard of competition was a lot better last year. Players have really stepped up. Everyone is beatable in this game though,” declares Peter.

The display cabinet is well stocked, with Nelson holding several trophies including  the Lemon Shield.

Representative fixtures around the top of the South Island as well as interclub games once a month.

So what is the appeal of indoor bowls ahead of lawn bowls?

“If you play outdoor on Saturday and Sunday, that’s the weekend gone. Also, we keep club play to about two hour sessions. It is an inexpensive sport, too. We provide the mats and bowls,” concludes Peter, before going on to comfortably win his opening pairs match with playing partner for the night, Esther Dyson.

The clubs are keen for newcomers to check out the local scene and have a go. Give Peter a call on 0274 887500.