New bowls contest offers ‘fun, fast and fresh’ spin
CRICKET has the T20 Big Bash League, rugby has the World Cup Sevens and tennis is changing with the introduction of Fast4 Tennis.
Now it’s lawn bowls that will offer a new, fun, fast and fresh approach as former international superstar Mark Casey launches the UBC. What is it, you ask? Ultimate Bowls Championship is here.
“We ideally are aiming to create a model that respects the game, showcases the game and eventually helps to grow the game,” Casey said.
With $500,000 prize money on the table, the lucrative prize pool should attract the best of the best.
Ownership of a franchise did not come cheap.
The initial $35,000 fee included two marquee players of your choice and a third player who must come from the UBC draft, made up of any club bowler registered with the UBC.
Franchises had a second option of one marquee player for $25,000 and two players selected from the draft.
The format — three bowl pairs, 25 minute matches or five ends with a 15-second shot clock.
The first of three events, scheduled for April this year, will be the UBC’s introduction, with 24 franchises taking part.
There will be a Geelong flavour to the event as Ocean Grove’s state representative Leigh McIlvenny joins forces with the Port Melbourne Navigators. I will represent the Whittlesea Eagles and former Victorian representative and Eastern Park coach Nathan Bush will also line up for the Port Melbourne Navigators.
“The changing face of lawn bowls is here and with the Seven Network (7Two) on board as the official broadcaster I can’t wait for the action to commence,” Casey added.
For more information: ultimatebowlschampionship. com.au