Chance to go head-to-head with Ely bowls star Greg Harlow for Co-op Funeralcare members

Co-op Funeralcare has launched a new bowls competition, giving members the chance to play against the top 16 bowlers in the world - including Ely’s Greg Harlow.

The Wildcard Bowls competition is offering members and colleagues in Ely the chance to pit their skills against one another in a series of regional play-offs.

The competition is free to enter, but winners of the ballot will be required to make a minimum donation of £10 to the British Red Cross in order to secure their place when they register online.

From those who enter the competition, 48 people will be selected by ballot for each of the six play-offs, with the overall winner taking a wildcard place at the Scottish International Championships in November later this year.

The regional play-offs will be held across September 3 and 4, and the winners from the heats will go head-to-head on October 2 to find the wildcard entry.

The winner will play against well-known bowlers such as last year’s Scottish International champion and Ely Bowls Club’s Greg Harlow, and Nicky Brett, who is currently ranked first in the world.

Lesley van Dyk, community support manager for Co-op Funeralcare, said: “This wildcard competition is totally different from anything we’ve done before. We’ve always been hugely supportive of the bowling world, and we’re so excited to be able to bring this opportunity to our members.

“We would urge anyone with a passion for bowls to get involved, as they could be the Scottish International Champion.”