A tournament in Tauranga this weekend for people who use bowling arms to play lawn bowls is attracting players from around the North Island.

The Bowling Arm Tournament on today, Saturday, April 29, is the first of its kind for Matua Bowling Club and will showcase the rising popularity of bionic bowling arms.

'Just looking at the greens on a regular playing day, and I'd estimate around 50 per cent of players use them,” says club manager Richard Kluit.

'It means that we have players who are well into their 80s still out there bowling.”

He's expecting to host at least 28 triples teams in The Bowling Arm Tournament.

'To get people from different regions is really great. They'll come from around the Bay of Plenty as well as from Auckland, Tairua, Whitianga, Tolaga Bay and from as far away as Dannevirke.

'We've also invited people from local retirement villages who may not be members but play on their own greens.”

The competition is specifically for those who struggle to bend down to ground level to roll the bowls, says Richard.

'Bowling arms allow people to continue to bowl when health would otherwise not permit it.

'People with knee or hip problems would stop playing which would be a shame because often it's not about the game, it's the camaraderie and getting out for exercise rather than sitting at home doing nothing.”

Richard says bowling arms have been around for a few years but have become more popular as designs improve.

'There's a lot more thought being put into the materials used and the release mechanism. They're a lot lighter and user friendly now.

'These tournaments are very strong in Australia, so we're trying to get something going here too. We want to get more players involved, so anyone is welcome to come along to watch.”

Spectators are welcome to watch the tournament 10am-3pm Saturday, April 29.

For enquiries about Matua Bowling Club or bowling arms to play lawn bowls, email: office@bowlsmatua.org.nz