Positive signs for Country Carnival numbers
Despite the chaos that has been 2020, the number for next year’s MGA Men’s Country Carnival are on par with this year’s event.
The singles competition will see 388 competitors take part, while there have been 370 entries in the pairs and 189 in the fours.
Next year’s event is set to be held from February 1 to February 8.
Venues that will host games include Ascot Park, Brighton, Clearview, Croydon, Gawler, Grange, Happy Valley, Henley, Holdfast Bay, Marion, Marion RSL, Modbury, Morphett Vale, Payneham, Prospect Broadview, Rosewater, Salisbury, Semaphore, Somerton, Toorak-Burnside and Woodville.
This year’s singles winner Steve Eichenberger, of Moonta, who has entered next year’s competition, said his success this year came as a “shock”.
“I was just playing normally and was happy to get into the final 32, then I managed to make the final 16, then 8, then semi-finals, and then the final,” he said.
“It was just a tradesman’s effort, I just kept my head down and kept working.”
Steve said he is looking forward to the challenge of next year’s competition.
“I will certainly give it a shot,” he said.
“I’m sure the top 50 players are all within about half a per cent of each other, so it just depends who bowls well on the day.”
Steve was full of praise for the annual MGA Men’s Country Carnival.
“I enjoy meeting others from the country, such as down in the South East and from over Port Lincoln way,” he said.
“It is great to catch up with the once or twice a year.
“I always enjoy the week to come to the city and go to different pubs and restaurants.”
MGA Insurance Senior Insurance Broker David Millington said
“MGA is proud to continue its long and healthy relationship with Bowls SA and the Men’s Country Carnival,” he said.
“The entire carnival is always associated with a high level of sportsmanship and wonderful comradery.
“The fact that Bowls SA have always run a highly professional event, has always sat well with MGA, as there is mutual satisfaction for both MGA as the sponsor and Bowls SA as the organiser.
“Hence, it is our pleasure to be involved once again.”
The draw for the event is set to be released towards the end of this week.
