THIS weekend presents a rare opportunity to watch star bowlers in action at the Folkestone Park Bowls Club, in Radnor Park, where they will contest the eighth Shepway triples challenge.

The 24 sides, wearing distinctive team colours, do battle on the Saturday to win the right to play against this year's guest teams of international and national title winners from Essex, Oxfordshire and Suffolk.

John Rednall, who captains the Suffolk side, has been capped 86 times and represented England in the 1994 Commonwealth Games. He has also played Test matches against Israel, New Zealand and South Africa.

He is joined by Mark Royal and Adrian Holden who were both members of the team that won the 2001 inter-county Top Rink championship.

Jill Polley, from Essex, won silver and gold medals in the 2000 World Championships held in Australia. Her team is completed by internationals Liz Tunn, a finalist in this year's national triples, and Gail Fitzgerald.

The Oxfordshire side is made up of members of Banbury Borough BC, who were the 2001 Lincoln double rink champions.

Play on Saturday starts at 10am and on Sunday 9.15am. Spectators are welcome and there is no charge for admission.