Tantitha bowlers honoured

Tim Smith, Kevin Bell, Jason Andrewartha, Darren McCracken and manager Tom Cummins (back).

Max Fleet

TANITHA'S Fantastic Five have been invited to compete alongside nine of Australia's 12 Commonwealth Games lawn bowls representatives at Helensvale's $40,000 National Club Challenge next week.

Darren McCracken's 2009 state champion of champions team was extended the honour and will be part of the 20-team tournament, while joining them is under-25 Queensland representative Kurt Brown.

All five have been in scintillating form this year and consider themselves every chance of matching a star-studded field that includes Kelsey Cottrell, Julie Keegan, Brett Wilkie and Mark Casey.

McCracken's team of Jason Andrewartha, Tim Smith and Kevin Bell has qualified for the final eight to defend their champion of champions title this year, and doing so would be a rare feat according to Andrewartha.

“Defending these titles is very difficult, it doesn't happen often,” he said.

“But in terms of the Helensvale tournament, we are feeling confident and Kurt is match-ready so we do have a shot.”

“We've played with, and against, some of those guys before.

“It's a big honour to get the invite and definitely the biggest prizemoney we've been in the running for.”