Players from Australia and New Zealand will be in Balclutha this weekend for one of the biggest test matches for indoor bowls.
The New Zealand indoor bowls team will be trying to win back the Henselite Trophy from Australia in the 19th transtasman test.
New Zealand has won the trophy 14 times, including eight in a row between 1993 and 2007. Australia has been successful four times, and won the last competition in 2009.
South Otago Indoor Bowls president Barry Gray said the test match might not be as big as the national or South Island tournaments, but was the most prestigious event for New Zealand indoor bowls.
"You've got the top players available in New Zealand playing the top Australian players. It's not often a small town like Balclutha gets an event like this. It's quite a coup for us."
Balclutha first hosted the competition in 2003.
"We've got a keen crew here and managed to get one of the most prestigious events," Mr Gray said.
Balclutha retailers were supporting the competition with a "black-out day" on Friday, May 13. Shop windows will be decked out in black all week, in support of the New Zealand team.
• The tests will be held at the Balclutha War Memorial Hall from 9am, May 12-14. Entry is free and the public welcome.
