GROVE CLASSIC FOURS DEFIES TREND TO LURE RECORD FIELD

SOME of the state’s best bowlers will be on the Ocean Grove greens next Wednesday and Thursday for the annual RT Edgar Classic Fours.

A total of 38 teams of four — which includes more than 30 past or present state repre- sentatives — will contest the $18,000 prize pool, which also carries Tier 3 Bowls Australia national ranking points.

As many club tournaments have struggled during the past few years with declining numbers, a tweaked format has helped attract a record field for the state’s premier men’s fours event.

Ocean Grove general manager Tim Fookes said he was excited about what this year’s event had to offer.

“Our aim is to host the most prestigious men’s fours event on the bowls calendar,” Fookes said. “It’s important we fill the event, which not only showcases what our club has to offer but also shows our business partners that their support is a worthwhile contribution to our club and the competitors.”

In past years, competition has consisted of eight rounds over three days.

However, teams will now battle it out over seven games of 12 ends, reduced to two days’ play.

Last year’s classic winning team featured former Ocean Grove junior and current Victorian representative Matt Ellul, who returned to his former club alongside state teammates Dylan Fisher and John McCarron.

Glenroy’s Peter Condon, who is the sole survivor of the champion four, will be back to defend, albeit with three new players.

Matches start at 9am on both Wednesday and Thursday. MATT FLAPPER IS AN OCEAN GROVE BOWLER.