Taking Pine Rivers to the world

The eyes of the bowling world are on Bray Park this week with the Bowls Premier League (BPL) underway at Club Pine Rivers.

Described as the T20 of bowls, the made-for-television showpiece is being livestreamed and broadcast on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Sky Sport NZ

It is fast, loud, attracts some of the world’s top bowlers and is designed to change people’s perception of the sport.

Global audience

“Bowls fans from every corner of the globe will be tuning into this event as it’s livestreamed across the world,” Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery says.

“With countries still in lockdown, we expect to see many people watching from home - especially the Brits who love their lawn bowls.

“So not only will it be a great showcase of our autumn weather, it’s also a great way of showcasing the capacity of our local facilities ahead of the Olympic Games.”

Steve Ratcliffe, CEO of Club Pine Rivers, said the atmosphere and format were "amazing".

"We are so proud to host the BPL twice this year, now and in November," he says, "it’s an amazing atmosphere and the format is fantastic for showcasing our sport to the public.

"We pride ourselves on being “not just your average bowls club” and this event really shows that to the rest of Australia. If you live locally we really hope you come and check it out now or in November."

Local benefits

Councillor Mick Gillam (Div 8) said while the audience was global, it is locals who will reap the benefits.

“Hosting a premier league event really demonstrates the remarkable facilities we have in the region and available for locals to use,” Cr Gillam said.

“Club Pine Rivers is a truly remarkable facility, built up to be what it is today by our incredible local volunteers.

“Moreton Bay Regional Council is a proud sponsor of this event and I can’t wait to see some great competition played this week.”

Friday finals

Eight teams play each other twice over 14 rounds with the top four going into Friday’s finals series.

Each match has two five-end sets and takes just over an hour Players have just 30 seconds to deliver the bowl once the jack is placed or opposition bowl has stopped.

Teams have one Power Play end per set when they earn double the shots scored and team coaches can make substitutions during the game.

Live streaming of the day sessions is from 11am via the Bowls Australian Facebook page.

Evening sessions from 5pm are live streamed via Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and Sky Sport NZ

Teams:

Adelaide Pioneers: Scott Thulborn, Wayne Ruediger, Katelyn Inch (Coach John Higgins)

Brisbane Pirates: Jeremy Henry, Aaron Hewson, Kelsey Cottrell (Coach Michael Breen)

Melbourne Pulse: Barrie Lester, Gary Kelly, Ellen Ryan (Coach Mark Casey)

Melbourne Roys: Aaron Wilson, Matthew Flapper, Carla Krizanic (Coach Ian Ewing)

Murray Steamers: Ryan Bester, Michael Walker, Natasha Van Eldik (Coach Kevin Anderson)

Perth Suns: Ray Pearse, Trystan Smallacombe, Dawn Hayman (Coach Pieter Harris)

Sydney Lions: Ben Twist, Aron Sherriff, Karen Murphy (Coach Steve Glasson)

Tweed Heads Ospreys: Aaron Teys, Corey Wedlock, Chloe Stewart (Coach Wayne Turley)