Saturday’s Orchid Festival winners were the ‘Ring Ins’, comprising mainly Yungaburra Bowls Club members. Photo Sophie Roberts
More than 70 bowlers from across the Tablelands converged on the Cooktown Bowls Club last weekend to vie for thousands in prizemoney at the annual Orchid Festival competition.
Club marketing manager Kimberley Sullivan said players enjoyed two days of spectacular weather as they competed for $3000 in prizemoney.
“This event is a great opportunity not only for the Cooktown bowlers to compete against players from other clubs, but for our fellow bowling friends from Yungaburra, Ravenshoe, Atherton, Mossman, Herberton and surrounds to come and enjoy the hospitality of Cooktown for a couple of days,” Ms Sullivan said.
Saturday’s competition was mixed fours, played over three rounds, with Yungaburra’s ‘Ring Ins’ team taking our first place, followed by Cooktown Two in second and Ravenshoe in third, with the Bradman prize going to Cooktown Three.
On Saturday night players who were keen to get in a few more ends enjoyed a two-bowl lightning triples competition and on Sunday was a men’s fours comp, with some teams supplemented by willing lady bowlers.
Sunday’s winners were Yungaburra One, with Gary Kriesel’s team taking second, Yungaburra Three taking third and Mossman One taking the Bradman prize.
Yungaburra bowlers were on fire over the weekend, with Sunday’s competition also taken out by the Tablelands bowlers. Photo Sophie Roberts
“Many hands make our event so successful each year,” Ms Sullivan said.
“The Bowls Club Bistro team did an amazing job feeding everyone lunch on both days and a big thanks to our ladies for baking for our bowler’s morning and afternoon teas.”
Cooktown bowlers Gloria Savage and Darren Taylor enjoyed the recent Orchid Festival competition. Photo Sophie Roberts
Ms Sullivan said the green and grounds were also in tip top condition thanks to the hard work of Brett, Bob, Colleen, Russell and the club staff.
For those interested in trying lawn bowls, there are social games open to all every Wednesday at 1pm and 6pm and Sundays at 9am.
“It’s a great game for people of all ages and abilities, with kids aged 12 and over welcomed too,” Ms Sullivan said.
“Coming up on Saturday 28 October, we’ve got a free come and try bowls day starting at 1pm, so come on down and give it a try!”
