A quintessential part of the Australian cultural landscape, the humble “bowlo” is once again on the rise as a great place for a social gathering. From corporate events to a Sunday Funday with a group of friends, a game of barefoot bowls is inclusive, cheap and more importantly for 2020/2021, and easy-to-socially-distance sporting activity.
Beyond the social games of barefoot bowls, there are those who play week-in, week-out as part of an active social life … and then there is the crème of the crop, the teams representing the Bowls Premier League.
Bowls Premier League
Showing that bowls is more than something your nan plays, the best lawn bowlers in Australia recently gathered at the Moama Bowling Club, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Murray River, for the 12th edition of the Bowls Premier League #BPL12. Just like the Big Bash has changed the way we watch cricket, so too, the BPL is taking the traditional game of bowls, and turning it on its head, with lightning-fast matches, Power Play’s and nail-bitting tie-breakers, combined with lights, music and entertainment fanfare, and delivered by eight franchise teams from around Australia (featuring some of the best bowlers in the world).
Moama Bowling Club (and home base of the Murray Steamers) played host to #BPL12 in what was the first Bowls Australia event since February 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on last year’s bowls calendar. Players and spectators alike were delighted to see #BPL12 commence and witness some of the best bowlers in the world and country, compete once again.
With borders open and interstate players able to travel, #BPL12 saw franchise teams coming from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
#BPL12 Final
In what was another outstanding Bowls Premier League (BPL) series, the Tweed Heads Ospreys claimed their second BPL title. The #BPL12 Final was played on 26th Feb 2021 with the Tweed Heads Ospreys defeating the Adelaide Pioneers 4-1, 6-0.
Moama Bowling Club Bowling Green Canopy
Moama Bowling Club
The event was held under the MakMax Bowling Green Canopy at Moama Bowling Club, which helped to create the stadium-like atmosphere. With rink-side seating and grandstands all protected from the elements by the 2983 square metre PTFE membrane roof, the event really turned up the dial with a light-show projected onto the canopy for the evening games.
The canopy at Moama not only helped to create the event-like atmosphere, it also gave the BPL surety of play, with no need to factor weather disruptions into the schedule. Night sessions were broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports & Sky Sport NZ, and the profile of the Bowls is definitely on the rise, with stunning venues like Moama helping to promote the Bowls Premier League as a vibrant, world-class sporting event.
“Off the back of their facility re-development, the Moama Bowls Club has established themselves as a premier-bowling venue in Australia, successfully hosting a number of key National and International bowls events. The recent BPL12 was another wonderful opportunity to showcase their state-of-the-art facilities, including a wonderful green canopy which allows year-round bowling.” Neil Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, Bowls Australia.
“The elegant, contemporary design of our custom shade canopy sets the tone of what’s in store for both amateur and experienced bowlers. The architecturally designed structure provides the optimum environment to enjoy a game of bowls even in challenging weather conditions. Visitors often comment not only on the visual aspect of the pavilion and how well it integrates with the clubhouse and hospitality areas, but also on the quality of the light it delivers. Overall, the installation of the shade cover has allowed bowlers to focus more on the consistency of their game while enjoying year-round protection from the elements. The atmosphere it helped create during BPL was second to none, and the ability to light up the canopy provided a spectacular backdrop for the event” Liam Fleming, Chief Operating Officer, Moama Bowling Club
As the preferred shade supplier and sponsor to Bowls Australia since 2013, MakMax Australia is proud to be a part of bringing amazing events like the BPL to new audiences.
If you missed #BPL12, or just want to see more, you won’t have to wait long until its return, with #BPL13 to take place at Club Pine Rivers (QLD) from April 20-23.
Home to the first ever MakMax Bowling Green Canopy, we can’t wait to see the Bowls Premier League back on home-turf in Brisbane!