They won’t be hosting a national tournament this season, and the streaker who bared all at last year’s event may not turn up again, but the Alexandra Bowling Club looks forward to a busy season once it resumes play outdoors on Sunday, September 17.

The club got unexpected publicity nation-wide in February when a streaker was a first for the club, a sign they were joining mainstream sports, manager Paul (PJ) Jerrom said at the time.

The opening day is set to be a more sedate affair, with 92-year-old club member Andy Benington placing the first jack, and Southland member of parliament Joseph Mooney rolling the first bowl to officially open the season.

The following Sunday, during Blossie Weekend, the club will host its annual Don and Tom Rutherford Memorial Triples. Don and Tom were very well respected members of the local community, especially in Alexandra and Omakau, PJ said. The competition is open to all bowlers, including any visiting Alexandra for the Blossom Festival

One of the initiatives the club has started this season is a competitive league for women bowlers across Central Otago.

New club president Mike Harris said it gave the women the opportunity to play at a competitive level.

“There was nothing weekend-based for competitive women bowlers so we thought we would start something,” he said.

Players from Queenstown, Arrowtown, Hāwea, Wānaka, and Cromwell would test their skills against the Alexandra players.

The club is again running the social bowls on Monday nights in October and November, which proved popular last season and brought some new and younger members to join as members. 

Called Bowls, Brews and BBQs, the event is for amateurs and those who have never played before, with coaching offered each Monday for half an hour before the social competition begins. The format is triples, or teams of three, but the team does not need to have the same players each week.

“It’s great for after work, music playing, and you can play with your mates or work friends and have a good time,” PJ said.

Local business Fulton Hogan Central, a long-time sponsor of the club, will take over the greens on Thursday evenings in October and November for its own inter-departmental challenge.

The club is also seeking to attract new bowlers of any age.

“To entice new bowlers, we’re setting up an induction programme with an introduction to bowling and the chance to meet members of the club,” Mike said.

The bowling club and sister organisation, the Alexandra Petanque Club, will also host two classes from Dunstan High School for three sessions during the season.

“It’s part of their NCEA requirements,” PJ said. “They have to learn the skills and rules of a non-mainstream sport.”