THE Nambucca Heads Bowling Club came alive with fierce competition and sporting camaraderie over the June long weekend as it played host to the 45th Ken Howard Memorial Lawn Bowls Carnival.

With big prize money of $5,000 for first prize, $3,000 for second, third and fourth sharing $1,600 and a range of lesser cash prizes, the tournament attracted over 100 seasoned bowlers and rising stars from across News South Wales, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.

The sunny weather and immaculately manicured greens provided the perfect setting for the action-packed competition.

As the tournament progressed, spectators were treated to a series of closely contested matches, intense rivalries, and moments of outstanding sportsmanship.

President of the Nambucca Heads Bowling Club’s Men’s Bowls, Ray Hunt, told News Of The Area, “Many bowlers bring partners and other family members to the carnival over the long weekend and this provides a boost to local accommodation, clubs, pubs and shops in the area.”

Named in honour of the esteemed and nationally admired race caller Ken Howard, who later became a Nambucca local and passionate supporter of bowls in Nambucca Heads, the carnival is set to expand into women bowls in the years ahead, thus attracting more visitors to the area.

In the knowledge of how good this event is for the community, many businesses are supporting the carnival through sponsorship.

Geoff King Motors, Willaid, Beatties Furniture and Roberts Real Estate are among those businesses behind the event.

The eventual winners in a very hard fought battle in the finals were the Nambucca Heads team of Michael Glass, Johnny Wright, Mitch McGill and Greg Hodge.

Runner ups from Park Beach were Jim Swan, David Hyde, Stacy Morris and Dave Valentine.

By Mick BIRTLES