Ouch, thats a pretty small turnout. Conditions must be tough up there. Shame us welsh bowlers cant go up there and give it ago. We'd probably give you guys a run for your money!
Seriously, with multi-weekend championships, you'll find the first one is always the slowest one, especially for travellers who want to do masters later on. But never give up, I feel championships are going to have a big turnaround soon.
NSWs regional championships have picked up recently. I think it has to do with my group called "The Posse", which is a group of 8 bowlers within NSW. We band up and hit the lanes and have some fun. As a group, we always have won something. Theres also my friend Graham Shoesmith who brings his family and friends to championships. That alone is a group of roughly 8 or so. Depending if they mix Juniors into it, they have 4 kids that bowl in it as well.
Really for numbers to get up, all you got to do is bring a band together and have alittle fun. Grab a few league mates and go for a teams event or a few doubles combinations. You can win some money and have a great time. Because its graded by average restrictions, anyone with any average can bowl. You dont have to be a top bowler to! My friend is a 111 ave bowler, last weekend he won 3 things. Doesnt take much really!
Hope this has brought some hope to your championships. Like I said, band a few bowlers together, and have some fun! Isnt that what the sport is about?