Prestigious Golden Eagle pairs tournament takes flight this Monday

Bowlers representing some 26 clubs from across NSW and Victoria will take to the greens on Monday, February 24, for the start of the Orange Motor Group City Of Orange Golden Eagle Pairs Tournament.

Now in its 55th year, the City of Orange Bowling Club’s Golden Eagle continues to attract some of the best bowlers in the country and the names of current and former Australian, Commonwealth Games and world champions can be found on the unique eagle trophy.

Once again, this year will see some big names competing in the $20,000 tournament, including last year’s winners Lee Schragner and partner Dylan Essex. Lee Schragner is the current World Singles Champion and the pair are expected to be tough to beat.

“We didn't think they were coming,” City of Orange Bowling Club Director Ray Wilson said, having only just received the nomination prior to speaking with Orange City Life last Thursday. “We thought they were already committed to another event, but this final nomination from him has really topped the number of really Top Line players coming this year.”

Runners-up Matt and Andrew Swann of Charlestown are also returning to try and get their hands on the Golden Eagle and spearheading the local contenders is current City of Orange club champion Bernie Diduszko, who will be playing with Melbourne import Paul Gonzales.

From the very first year to today, winning the Golden Eagle tournament has been a highly coveted prize for bowlers, Ray said.

“There's somewhat of a prestige associated with the Golden Eagle simply because it was probably one of the first really big pairs invitation tournaments,” he explained.

Then there’s the tournament’s truly grand and unique one-metre-tall trophy featuring a golden eagle with a wingspan of 95 centimetres.

The Orange Motor Group City Of Orange Golden Eagle Pairs Tournament will get underway on Monday, February 14, with bowlers competing for a $6,000 first prize. The tournament will reach its conclusion on Thursday morning, February 27, with the final getting underway at 9am.

Anyone wanting to see some world-class bowls action is welcome to attend all four days of competition as well as the Calcutta auction on Sunday evening, February 23, prior to the tournament.

“That's always a fun night,” Ray said, “because all of the guys that think they've got a chance, they start bidding pretty high, as you can imagine!”