Bowlers snap up motels | Oamaru News | Local News in Oamaru

"No Vacancy" signs will be up across Oamaru next week with almost every accommodation site booked out as the Chartered Clubs New Zealand Men's Bowls tournament comes to town.

More than 500 people  will flood in next week to compete in the  club championships, with 128 fours teams registered.

Teams from as far as Kamo in Northland will venture  to Oamaru,  which is hosting the men's club event for the fourth year since the tournament  started in 1974.

Tournament organiser Murray Lamb said he had "booked out virtually every motel in town" for  bowlers and their partners. Many  teams were also being privately hosted by locals.

Oamaru Club manager Prem Nath said the tournament would bring a good financial boost to Oamaru, and he hoped the visitors would want to return to North Otago at some stage.

"I wish all the bowlers the best of luck, and hope they will appreciate their time in the little town of Oamaru," he said.

Oamaru is well-regarded in bowling circles and the sport has  a large following  in the community. This year, 10 local teams will compete in the event.

Play starts on Monday,  with a welcoming ceremony  on Sunday. Mr Nath said all district bowling greens would be used,  with the Oamaru Club providing transport to and from games. The finals take place on Friday.

The winning team will receive a $2000 cash prize, the Moase Cup and  Oamaru stone penguin trophies to commemorate their time here.