Top of their division Shannon Bowling Club open to all

Shannon bowlers in action.

Members of the Shannon Bowling Club maintained their winning streak on Saturday, beating opponents Palmerston North in all three games, scoring the maximum of 12 points.

They are top of the second division in the Manawatū Bowls interclub competition.

Club president Grant Pratt is rightly proud of this achievement.

"Our club has never been top of the second division before. We set our sights on getting here and put a lot of work into our game."

Pratt acknowledged the help of Sharon Sims, Mark Noble and Steve Toms, national champions who spent time at the Shannon Club coaching recently. Newer players particularly learnt a lot from the trio.

Grant Pratt, president of Shannon's Bowling Club, said the club has put a lot of work into getting to the top.

"There is lots of talk about how well we are doing. Other clubs enjoy playing here. We are hoping to have more tournaments here this season," said Pratt.

The club currently has 30 members, 20 men and 10 women. Anyone is welcome to come and have a go. Business house games will start in the new year, giving a fun social option for businesses to compete against each other.

Club member Dean Whiti describes it as a happy, positive club and is keen for the community to make use of the clubhouse. Unlike some bowling clubs where only members can use the facilities, Shannon Bowling Club is open to all.

As the only licensed premises now left in town, it is becoming a popular venue for a cold drink after work, and as a venue for parties and wedding receptions. They recently hosted a baby shower and welcome inquiries for any function.

To make the clubhouse more welcoming, a pool table and SKY TV have been installed, and of course, bowling is always an option for any group.

The oldest bowling club in the world still in existence was founded in 1299. In 1861, enthusiastic Scottish settlers founded the first club in New Zealand, the Auckland Bowling Club.

There are around 560 clubs across the country and over 100,000 active bowlers.
For more information, contact the club on 06 362 7562.
https://www.facebook.com/shannonbowlongclub