MORE than 300 bowlers from across Queensland will flock to the Cleveland Sharks Bowls Club for its annual Strawberry Carnival next week.
The carnival attracts teams from across the south-east, including Laidley, Dalby, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
Club spokesperson Des Hedger said the tournament had recently become a Tier 4 national ranking event, which meant that points received during the tournament could be added to each player's Australian ranking and could determine whether they were chosen to play for Queensland or Australia.
Mr Hedger said for a competition become a national ranking event, Bowls Australia had to determine that calibre of players was high.
"We have bowlers from all over south-east Queensland, many of whom are state players," he said.
As well as ranking points, $6000 in prize money is on offer in both the men's and women's competitions. Up to 320 bowlers are expected to compete.
"The Cleveland Sharks Bowls Club puts on a very successful competition and it's growing every year," Mr Hedger said.
"We have some of the best greens in Queensland. We're holding state and district competitions here this year and next year and it's attracting a stronger field of players."
The tournament will run between August 27 and 30, with five games played across two days for both women and men. The women's competition will be held on August 27 and 28, while the men will play on August 29 and 30.
Each day will start with a morning tea at 8.30am and both tournaments will end with an awards ceremony.
Spectators are welcome.
For more information, contact Des Hedger on 0412 767 565.
