Fast-paced lawn bowls format set to launch at three Adelaide clubs
THREE Adelaide lawn bowls clubs are set to launch the sport's answer to Twenty20 cricket in a bid to draw new players to the game.
THREE Adelaide lawn bowls clubs are set to launch the sport's answer to Twenty20 cricket in a bid to draw new players to the game.
Payneham, Brighton and McLaren Vale will next month roll out versions of the fast-paced format introduced at last year's Australian Premier League in Queensland.
The shortened matches will feature player substitutions and fewer ends, with divisions for everyone from international players to beginners.
Payneham manager Rhys Taylor said the concept, known as the 5&5 Sprint at the club, would make the sport accessible to a wider range of people.
"It's really the Twenty20 (cricket) version of bowls," Taylor said.
"You can get there for an hour, have a few beers, play some bowls and enjoy yourself."
Matches will last no more than 75 minutes and feature two sets of five ends, as opposed to the traditional 25-end format.
The six-week tournament will consist of pairs matches but teams will be permitted up to two reserves.
"It allows two people to play, but with one on the sideline ready to be the sub while the other goes inside and gets the beers," Taylor said.
"It's that social aspect that we really want to try to push."
The Monday night competition will feature three divisions.
The top flight will boast APL and Australian players such as Wayne Ruediger and Scott Thulborn, while the third teir will be open to corporate groups, social players and beginners.
"The main aim of this format is to try and entice people who have never tried it before," Taylor said.
"We want to get more people playing the sport - anyone can come and try."
Payneham Premier One player Laini Murray is one of several elite bowlers to sign up for the new competition.
"It's fast and it doesn't take long to play the game, so it's really good for people that don't have a lot of time on their hands," the 22-year-old said.
"It's also good for the spectators because it's exciting."
The Payneham competition kicks off on February 24. To register call the club on 8337 1251.
For details on the Brighton tournament call Ben on 8358 5760 or for information on the Morphett Vale competition call Graham on 0450 290 461.