By Peter Douglas
After struggling to field three sides in Saturday pennant, Monbulk Bowls Club is seeking out those who enjoy being part of team sports.
The 51-year-old bowling club has about 130 members and has again increased its numbers this year.
Many bowlers enjoy turning out for social bowls, rather than getting their competitive juices flowing.
Playing pennant bowls is a team sport; it is more competitive and requires a different mental attitude as well as the technical bowling skills.
One pennant competition is played on Tuesdays, making it ideal for retirees or people with flexible work hours.
Monbulk fields three sides in the Tuesday competition.
The other pennant competition is played on Saturday afternoons against other local clubs, from September to March (the warmer months), with a few weeks off at Christmas.
The timing of this competition makes it suitable for men and women who may still be working.
It is also a great way for sportspeople to stay competitive when they retire from other sports.
Club president, Jenny Holmes, fears that, without more competitive bowlers, Monbulk could be forced to drop down to two Saturday pennant sides next season.
“We are nearing the end of this pennant season, with finals coming up in a few weeks. Then the next pennant season starts up again in September,” she said.
“So MBC has only a few months to get some newcomers through the door and train them up ready for the rigours of pennant competition.”
On Sunday 26 February, from 1pm, the club will be holding a Try Bowls Day where anyone can try bowls for free.
Membership for the first year is just $50 and the pennant uniform is subsidised by the club.
Vice-president, Alan Hamilton, says that makes it one of the best value sports around.
“Some bowlers have come from sporting backgrounds like football, soccer, netball, golf or tennis. Others arrive with little sporting experience and then discover they have a talent for bowling,” he said.
“But, overwhelmingly, it is the friendships that keep the club bubbling along.
“New members will be made welcome, no matter what their age or ability.”
The club has excellent facilities, with two synthetic bowling greens which can be used all year round, as well as an award-winning bistro and bar with great prices.
For more information, visit www.monbulkbowls.org or phone (03) 9756 6183.
