Champions clash at cluBarham

CluBarham Bowling Club president Steve Wilson said it was an experience for all the bowlers who had a bowl.

“You have world-class bowlers and to get out and have a bowl with them is very special,” Mr Wilson said.

“We have bowlers from every division bowling from cluBarham, because they are all on the committee, all the volunteers.”

The tournament, which began on Sunday, September 21, has attracted competitors from 33 nations competing for world titles in men’s and women’s singles, with 57 participants marking the highest turnout in three years.

The event is celebrating a significant milestone — its 21st anniversary since first being held at Moama in 2003.

Mr Wilson emphasised the event’s importance to the region.

“The facility we have got is world-class and it means a lot, not just for the bowling club, but it means a lot for the town,” Mr Wilson said.

“You have the shops, the motels, you have the surrounding area — Kerang, Swan Hill, Cohuna, all that area with all the influx of people coming in.”

Among the competitors are returning champions including Scotland’s Iain McLean and Tonga’s Milika Nathan.

Nathan, who etched her name in history as Tonga’s first world bowls champion, is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend the title.

Australia’s medal hopes lie with Jacob Nelson and Chloe Stewart.

Stewart currently holds the third position in the World Bowls Series rankings, while Nelson is seeking to maintain Australia’s winning streak following Lee Schraner’s triumph in 2024.

Mr Wilson acknowledged the event organisers’ efforts.

“Steven Arthur — everyone calls him Rowdy — is our bowls co-ordinator and he has basically put all this together, with the help of Josh Forster and Jason Wallace,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the Barham Bowling Club committee and our volunteers, because without the help of our volunteers and our committee, this wouldn’t run.”

World Bowls Champion of Champions runs at cluBarham until Thursday, September 25.