DEAL RE-IGNITES INTRUST DREAMS
Bowls club joins forces with Western Mustangs
SOUTH Toowoomba Bowls Club and the Western Mustangs could be the ultimate sporting odd couple.
However, the two sporting groups believe their new alliance can reshape to landscape of sport in Toowoomba and south-west Queensland.
Souths’ decision to amalgamate with the Mustangs Leagues and All Sports Club is seen as the first step to bringing the Intrust Super Cup back to Toowoomba.
“If you look through the history of Toowoomba Rugby League there has been about 50 genuine internationals who have played in this competition,” MLASC president Tony Coonan said.
“There’s a rich history here and when you look across the cup every region of Queensland is represented except Toowoomba and the southwest.
“I believe Toowoomba by itself is easily a big enough place and when you include the south-west which has generated amazing footballers like Darren Lockyer, Ray Higgs and Artie Beetson, it’s really important.”
In a special meeting held at the weekend, Souths members voted unanimously to amalgamate with MLASC in a bid to secure their future.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Coonan said.
“The bowlers felt they were in a situation financially they weren’t able to solve and we were able to help.
“The Intrust Super Cup has a great following and there are obvious commercial benefits when you have that exposure.
“And if you want to be in the Intrust Super Cup you need a viable, long-term business plan.
“We feel it (Souths) is a great facility it just needs a little upgrade. We’ve got the bricks and mortar now and a model of membership we believe can grow sport as a whole in Toowoomba.”
The decision to align with the MLASC was an easy one for STBC president Phil Schultz.
“It’s unfortunate but bowls in general is struggling,” Schultz said.
“This was an easy decision for us.
“We’re the first to make this type of decision in regional Queensland.
“I think we can compliment each other and it’s a good way to help both clubs grow.”