A former cricketer has launched a new fast-paced lawn bowls format designed to give the sport a new lease on life.

'Five in 25' is a shortened version of the game that hopes to attract new players to give the sport a go.

Ben Harris is the man behind the game and he says there's an event set to take place tomorrow designed to appeal to prospective players.

"It's an experimental tournament tomorrow, there'll be some learnings from that at the Papanui bowling club."

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