South Tamworth bowls organiser Phil Johnson approached the CNDBA a few months back about creating something to invigorate the flagging sport.

It just so happened Johnson had helped run a previous CNDBA Bowler of the Year Award that helped attract players to major carnivals as well as create community interest in the game.

So he dusted off the old concept and took it to a CNDBA meeting where he was delighted with its positive reception and “green light” to re-start the competition.

Johnson also managed to wangle $2000 out of the CNDBA and the nine member clubs to provide prizemoney to the re-constituted awards.

“$200 from each club and $400 from the CNDBA,” Johnson said.

“We’re just trying to get a bit of interest back into bowls in general as well as help clubs fill out their fields for major carnivals and events.”

Johnson and Gordon Cheney have been appointed coordinators of the CNDBA Bowler Of The Year and their first Bowler of the Year event will be the CNDBA Fours on February 2/3.

“Then I think we have the State Triples (February 9/10), City of Light Triples (at West) Feb 27/28, the State Pairs (March 2/3), State Singles (March 9/10) and Triples (March 9/10),” Johnson said.

“All the clubs have nominated a major carnival so it gives every bowler a chance.

“ We’re also having a Junior Bowler of the Year Award  but they can still play in the open events as well.

“We’re just hoping to help the clubs get their carnivals full again. 

“I know there have been a couple of clubs recently who will have to cancel if they don’t get the numbers.”