After a stuttering start, Saturday will see bowls return to something resembling normalcy after months of COVID-induced hibernation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The sport resumed last Saturday, but Zone 3 president Ian Bannister said the late arrival that day of the COVID rules governing the resumption of play meant it was not until Sunday that games were played.
Read also:
And even then, he said, it was on a smaller scale than what would occur this Saturday on greens across the region - although triples and fours were still barred.
Everyone's said, 'Thanks God for that'.
- Ian Bannister
"Bloody great!" Bannister said of the sport's return. He added: "Everyone's said, 'Thanks God for that'. The pressure's gone off our bowls secretary [at Tamworth City] and we can start again and all the rest."
Singles and pairs competitions will be played this weekend, with the eventual winners advancing to the Zone 3 champion of champions and then the state champion of champions, to be held at South Tamworth this year.
Bannister said the resumption of play would give players "a few practice runs before they get into the serious stuff": state singles, pairs and triples, which commenced in August.
Under COVID-19 restrictions, up to 20 people are allowed on a green at one time. Bars and restaurants are operating under the one person per four-square-metre rule.
Bannister said Tuesday and Friday social bowls had also resumed.
