Big prize pool in Blewitt Classic

PLENTY AT STAKE: Clinton Hayes, general manager Coffs Prestige Cars, and Sawtell Bowling Club president, Graeme Purvis, discuss the prizes that will be available for the winner.

Trevor Veale

THE prestigious Mike Blewitt Classic major-minor men’s pairs bowls carnival hosted by Sawtell Bowling Club has attracted another top-class field for competition today and tomorrow.

Due to the tremendous support of Todd Blewitt from Mike Blewitt Ford, the event will involve 36 teams playing six matches of 12 ends in a busy weekend.

A total prize pool of $4500 has attracted players from Victoria and Wallsend, who will battle it out with players from Mid North Coast clubs Sawtell, Park Beach, Bellingen, Urunga, Woolgoolga, Coffs Ex-Services, West Coffs and North Beach.

The overall winners will take home $900 each plus the use of two demo cars with a full tank of petrol for a weekend of their choice courtesy of Mike Blewitt Prestige Cars.

Other prizemoney will be $900 for second, $500 for third, $400 for fourth, $300 for fifth, $200 for sixth and $100 for seventh. Those missing out on major prizemoney will be eligible for three lucky draws of $50 for leads and skips.

Wet weather has plagued this carnival over the years forcing organisers to swap dates with their popular triples carnival, which has now been moved to November.

The forecast looks promising for a top weekend of bowls, featuring players of the calibre of Alan Carver, Graeme Purvis, Stuart Hartigan, Peter and P T Clarke, Mark Delamere and promising junior Josh Hicks. Play will start at 9.15am both days.

In other bowls competition this weekend, Coffs Ex-Services will host the Champion of Champions event which features the club singles champions from throughout the Mid North Coast.