Sawtell bowlers in record numbers for NSW play-offs

Sawtell Bowling Club has rolled into history and is now chasing the holy grail of state supremacy. Revealed: The 48 locals on the edge of glory.

Move over, Ringo and Co, as Sawtell Bowling Club’s very own Fab Four is on a seek and conquer quest at the state pennant finals.

Like the Tokyo Olympics, the shootout for gold is being played on Covid delay - as next week’s deciders will be for the 2021 titles.

Sawtell will have a record number of four sides chasing flags - three open gender teams and one ladies.

It will be doubly historic as it is the first state finals since the unification of the two administering bodies - NSW Women’s Bowling Association and the Royal NSW Bowling Association.

“Sawtell was one of the big drivers of unification and we are now seeing the results of this early embracement of men and women competing with each other,” club chairman Paul Covington said.

“The strength of the club is indicative of this stance, having attracted several fine men and women bowlers from other clubs in the area to play for the unified Stingrays.”

The action gets rolling on Monday, when Sawtell’s ladies Grade 2 team head to Forster to play Tuross Head, Tuncurry Beach and Asquith in their sectional round.

The final at Forster Bowling Club is on Wednesday.

The open gender finals on March 25-27 sees Sawtell representing Zone 14 in three of the seven grades.

The grade three team will play sectional rounds at Toongabbie against Orange City, Denistone Sports and Adamstown.

The grade four team heads to Yamba to play sectional rounds against Temora, Bronte and South Lismore.

While the sixes travel to Maitland to face Engadine, Halekulani and Majellan.

Finals in all seven grades will be played on Sunday, March 27.

Mr Covington said the club was ecstatic to have such a big representation at state level, particularly in the open gender competition.

“I wish all four Sawtell teams good bowling and I am sure that all the players, team managers and supporters will represent our club proudly.”