Among them were a couple of national level players from Cabramatta, the club where Ellen Ryan is now based. 

It was a high standard of competition played at the Railway Bowling Club from Thursday, February 23 to Sunday, February 26. The men played the first two days and the women over the weekend.

While the men faced a very hot day Thursday, the women needed jackets on Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone watching the games would quickly realise that bowls is not simply a game where the most accurate roller wins. It is a game of strategy with each team endeavouring to tilt play in favour of the strengths of its team members. A team of accurate bowlers who can get line and length can be outplayed by a team that positions its bowls in anticipation of the jack getting knocked further down the green during the course of play. For spectators, bowls is also about facial expressions, body language and the funny things that happen on the green as well as the crafty tactics employed by the teams of strategists.

This is why the sport is popular viewing on television overseas. Bowls Australia is looking to lift the sport’s profile as a sport for all ages.

The match committees from the Railway Bowling Club were grateful for the support they received from the New Gullen Wind Farm, who have agreed to continue to back this exciting locally organised tournament.

With some 170-plus bowlers and in some cases their partners the tournament not only provides a financial boost to the community, but extends the friendships of member of the bowling community.