BOWLS clubs across the district are finding new ways to help keep afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Some are offering take-away food services via their restaurants, while others are proactivly keeping in touch with their members via social media.
However, Zone 3 president Ian Bannister believes each club will be "feeling the pinch" in some form or another at the moment.
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"I recently spoke to a representative of Bowls Australia, who told me there is still no social or competitive bowls for the foreseeable future," Bannister told the Leader.
"Personally, I think that is the correct decision, but I know a few clubs will be really hurting at the moment.
"Some have managed to keep ticking with take-away food and that sort of thing, but for those who don't have it, I'm not sure how they'd be travelling."
The restrictions have also meant the pennant bowls season has come to a standstill, leaving players wondering how the competitions will play out.
"I think once we are given the go ahead to start playing again, we will have to finish the pennant seasons first," Bannister said.
"We were right in the middle of them and they do impact the champion of club champions tournaments and things like, which are held later in the year.
"We will most likely have to get together down the track and play it by ear.
"I'm sure we can work out a way to keep all of our regular competitions in tact."
Bannister, whose zone reaches from Tamworth to Lightning Ridge and Willow Tree, said he was hopeful the sport could become stronger on the other side of the pandemic.
"Given we are a non-contact sport, I think there is a chance we could come back a bit earlier than other sports," he said.
"There might be some way we could advertise heavily when things are back up and running, to get a few new faces in.
"I think most clubs would be really on board with doing that."