67 bowlers set for Hutson Cup

The Hutson Cup is the oldest event in Fiji’s Lawn Bowls calendar.

The Lautoka men’s and Tamavua women’s bowling teams will be defending the 99th Rooster Chicken sponsored- men’s Hutson Cup and women’s national fours, which gets underway at the Nadi Sports and Social Club today. Lautoka has secured the services of Dewa Nand, Niklesh Sen, Amitesh Chandra, and Mohammed Zainal as they aim to make two in a row.

Teams like Sheraton, Nadi, Suva, and Tamavua have been having their practice runs to give them the best chance to dethrone Lautoka. This year also sees the re-entry of Rakiraki Bowling Club.

Golf enthusiasts Raymond Singh and Roneel Prakash have put away their golf clubs and are out to help Ba make their mark in the event. In the ladies’ competition, the defending champions Tamavua will face a stiff challenge from Sheraton who last won in 2022.

The Hutson Cup is the oldest event in Fiji’s Lawn Bowls calendar. It was first played in 1926. Tournament co-ordinator David Aitcheson said hosts Sheraton Bowling Club is grateful to have Rooster Chicken the major sponsor for the second year running. “Bowls is a minor sport in Fiji but has punched well above its weight on the international scene in the past,” he said.

“Having a renowned brand like Rooster Chicken sponsor our event enables Bowls Fiji to continue to develop the game and restore some of the success that we have historically achieved internationally.” Bowls coordinator Sanjeet Sen added that an exciting new development to this event is the permission for clubs to register more than one team, which will enable more bowlers to participate.

“This move by Bowls Fiji will help with the growth of the sport. Previously only one team per club participated which limited the ability of Clubs to breed new players. This rule change will see a total of 67 bowlers in action over the weekend. Given weather conditions the event will be played over two days,” he said.