Eighty four bowlers lined up on the two competition greens at the Railway Bowling Club for the men’s competition which wraps up this afternoon.

With almost $5000 in prize money on offer places in the competition filled quickly attracting bowlers from all around NSW. 

“There are bowlers from distant places like Taree, Merimbula, Tumut and Narrandera as well as our near neighbours from Yass, Croookwell and Taralga,” Railway men’s president Reg Thoms said. "All the places in the competition were filled up over eight weeks ago and we intentionally limited the number of Goulburn competitors fo allow for as many visiting bowlers as possible.

“Like last year the New Gullen Range Wind Farm and Goulburn Mulwaree Council have come on board as sponsors.

“We have attracted several top level bowlers to compete, bowlers who can be seen in the televised bowls competition, which has made it really exciting and spectators are most welcome.”

It was far from quiet on the greens on Thursday morning as team skips shouted suggested plays to their teammates at the other end of the rinks. There was plenty of friendly banter too as players tried to distract each other or offer tips on how their opponents might like to play their shots. It was all good natured fun with each team looking for some of the prize money.

On Saturday and Sunday the women take their turn on the greens and spectators can expect just as much noise, laughter and calls of frustration from the ladies, some of whom have accompanied their husbands for a four day long weekend trip away. On Saturday and Sunday Goulburn men will assist the ladies with umpiring duties, returning the favour the ladies did for the men recently, when they determined which bowl had the shot or was closer in when it was too close to call with the naked eye.

The ladies also have 84 bowlers participating over the two days of their tournament with bowlers coming from far and wide including a strong contingent from various Sydney region clubs.