Bowlers to compete for Caledonia Challenge Cup

May 14 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TALENTED bowlers from across the UK are set to descend on Perthshire this summer to do battle for the prestigious Caledonia Challenge Cup.

Held across various clubs over the weekend of August 21 and 22 – but with a final’s day at Bankfoot Bowling Club on the Sunday – the tournament is one of the key sporting elements of the year-long celebrations marking Perth’s 800th anniversary.

With more than 400 players expected to take part in the competition, Saturday round-robin heats whittle the field down so that only the cream of the crop get a chance to compete for one of the most lucrative prize purses on the sport’s amateur scene.

Last year’s event, the cup’s inaugural year, was won by a Fife association select, who beat-off competition from 24 other sides on the last day to lift the coveted trophy and collected the £1000 first prize

The overall kitty for the 2010 edition is £3500 and all participants will be entered into a free draw to win a bathroom suite, courtesy of McDermott Distribution.

The Caledonia Challenge Cup is backed by Perth-based firm Easy Heat Systems, who also sponsor St Johnstone and have said they are “delighted” to pledge their support to one of the largest bowling events in Scotland.

Councillor John Kellas, who is convener of the local authority’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, was quick to congratulate the efforts of everyone involved.

The Bankfoot Bowling Club member said: “It’s wonderful to see this event, especially as it forms part of our Perth 800 celebrations.

“It successfully brings another first class tournament into Perthshire, and focuses people throughout Scotland and beyond on what makes this a great place to visit.

“I’m sure that with Easy Heat Systems’ involvement, the event will continue to grow year-on-year.”

Anyone wishing to register a team for the competition can contact Bankfoot’s match secretary Alex Melville on 01738 787 130.