New season beckons for Ballymena Bowling Club

THE time has changed and the clocks have gone forward. The evenings are getting longer and it's time to get out in to the fresh air and on to the greens.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2010, 10:00 BST
Updated 29th Mar 2010, 14:29 BST

The 2010 outdoor season is just around the corner and Ballymena Bowling Club will hold their official opening this Saturday, April 3, at 2pm.

Ballymena Bowling Club President, Mr Roy Torrington and the Club’s Lady President, Mrs Peggy Pinkerton will throw the first bowl and it is hoped that there will be a good turnout of members for the official opening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Weather permitting a fun bowls tournament will take place after the official opening followed by tea and presentation of prizes.

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

Bowls is now very much an all age sport and anyone who hasn’t tried outdoor bowls before or would be interested in playing outdoor bowls for the first time will be made most welcome at the Old Ballymoney Road Club and bowls are available for beginners.

Ballymena Bowling Club has some special membership offers in place this year in an effort to encourage new players of all ages and abilities in to the sport –

1. During the month of April those wishing to try outdoor bowls for the first time can come and play with no fees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

2. Half Price Membership is available to new bowlers who subsequently join the Club for the first year.

3. Special deals for prospective young bowlers – Junior Membership is free and available to under 14’s. Juvenile Members (any person over 14 years of age but who has not attained 21 years of age) and Student Members (any person over 21 years of age and who is a full time student) can avail of reduced Membership Fees

TEAMS

This year Ballymena Bowling Club hope to field 5 teams in the Northern Ireland Private Greens League. Four of these teams play on a Saturday.

They are Ballymena Seniors, who play in PGL Senior Division 1, Ballymena Juniors who play in PGL Junior Division 1, Ballymena Park Seniors who play in PGL Senior Division 2 and Ballymena Park Juniors who play in PGL Junior Division 2. Ballymena Midweek Park play on a Wednesday night and they play in PGL Midweek League Division 1.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ballymena Ladies would hope to have two teams in the Provincial Towns Women’s Bowling Association League this season. Ballymena Senior Ladies play in PTWBA Senior League and Ballymena Junior Ladies play in PTWBA Junior League. These matches are played on a Wednesday afternoon.

Ballymena also field four teams in the Northern Ireland Private Greens Veterans League and these matches are played on a Monday afternoon and Ballymena Bowling Club also compete in the Mid Antrim Triples League with matches being played at night.

Northern Ireland Private Greens Competitions commence on Monday, April 26, and Ballymena Bowling Club competitions will commence in May.

All members are reminded that entries for the above competitions must be received no later than 5pm this Saturday, April 3.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ballymena Bowling Club will also host several touring teams from Scotland and England during the season.

SELECTION

Selection meetings will take place early in April to pick selectors for five Ballymena teams – Seniors, Juniors, Senior Park, Junior Park and Midweek.

It is important that there is a good turnout of members who want to play Saturday or Wednesday bowls, so that they can have their say in who actually takes on the important role of selecting the teams.

Selectors must have the respect and support from all players so it is important that all members are involved in the selection process. Members are asked to keep an eye on Club notice boards for exact dates of the selection meetings.

Graham Wilson

Related topics:BowlsWeather