The Isle of Man’s Crown Green Bowling Festivals celebrate their 90th anniversary this year and a total in excess of 800 competitors will be involved in the June and September events. Steve Moore takes over as tournament director from Andy Hawkard, who has been in charge for the last three years. Another change sees a slightly later date of September 19th to 23rd for the second festival but the earlier one stays much the same at June 20th to 24th. Format will be the tried and tested one which produces ten separate contests spread over six greens. Total prize fund for the two events is over ?36,000 - ?3,000 going to the winner of the men’s main competition – but even if bowlers don’t win a single match the tournament is structured in such a way that they can play bowls on four consecutive days. It is not known at this stage whether the men’s and ladies winners from last year’s festival – Graeme Wilson and Natalie Hughes in June and Wayne Ditchfield and Janet Monk in September – will be able to return to defend their titles. However, one man who says he will definitely be there is Castleford’s Colin Scorah who has previously won the Consolation Trophy and reached the last 32 of the main competition last September. Colin, who must be the Festival’s biggest fan, is well known for his enthusiasm and the cry of ‘Come on baby,’ when he delivers a good wood, can be heard ringing out across the Manx greens and elsewhere. Last year he was presented with a special award by the Isle of Man Tourism Events Team for his entertainment value. Colin said: ‘I just love this place and the Festival. I cannot believe there is another one like it anyway in the world for its efficiency and friendliness and to keep ten separate competitions going at the same time is quite fantastic. I will definitely be coming back for the two festivals this time and I hope to do so for the next 20 years – just try keeping me away.’ Colin Scorah is a member of the Crossgates Bowling Club in Leeds which last year brought a contingent of 18 to the Island and is likely to be back with a similar squad in 2011. Well over 300 visiting bowlers are expected to make the trip to the Island in June and September, their numbers being swelled by players from the local leagues. Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, political representative for Isle of Man Tourism, said the Bowls Festival would always have a special place on the Island’s sporting calendar. He said: ‘It is a tribute not only to the sport itself but to successive generations of players and supporters that this Festival has endured for 90 years. Long may it continue to be a very important event on the Isle of Man.’ For more information plus entry form please go to www.visitisleofman.com . ENDS