Bowls ban after $800 fees vanish

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A group of bowlers have been banned from playing anywhere in the country - until fees taken by a person are fully repaid.

The problems started when a person connected to the Edendale Bowling Club vanished with $800 owed to Auckland Bowls. The missing money meant the club defaulted on payments that were due to be paid to Auckland Bowls in September.

With the money still unpaid Auckland Bowls last week suspended the club from the city-wide competition. Until it is paid, the 20 club members aren't allowed to play bowls for anyone, anywhere.

Club president Kid Emua said some players tried to move to other clubs when the ban was handed down and were surprised to be told they couldn't.

"They weren't allowed to ... so were a bit upset," he said.

In an effort to keep the club alive a special meeting was called on Sunday where club members decided to all chip in and pay the money owed to get the ban lifted.

"We are trying to get the situation resolved. Two of the players get paid tomorrow so hopefully we will be able to pay the full amount."

The ban affecting the individual players was something they were not happy about, but had to accept.

"We can't do much about it, it's part of the rules."

Mr Emua was confident things were improving for the Sandringham club and wanted to assure the community it was open for business. Once the suspension was lifted he hoped to attract new members, including opening the club up to women.

Auckland Bowls general manager Phil Vyver agreed the ban had an "unfortunate flow on" to the players, but it was according to the rules.

He knew some players were unhappy. "There's been a bit of reaction to it, but it's simply a case of the Edendale club sorts their issues out then there's no problem. It's not the players' fault as such, they are sort of caught in the middle but we have to abide by the rules."