
Photo by Josh Bartlett
Story by Gerard Oosterman
As you might know, I joined indoor bowling some months ago and little did I know that I would be in possession of a trophy within weeks. Yet, that has happened. I have a rather large wooden structure with two silver figures, a man and a woman in a pose suggesting they are ready to bowl. I have noticed that when it comes to handing out trophies and awards at sporting events, there are often as many trophies as there are members of the club. Everyone goes home with either a trophy or a written card of acknowledgement of high achievements.
We had our trophy night last Sunday at the Mittagong RSL. Our bowling is strictly social, and for fun, with laughter the aim rather than scoring points or killing to win. I have yet to introduce my own special method of competition in awarding the worst players the winners. I tried to get some interest, but some reckon we would never get home for trying to be the worst. Anyway, the evening was a winner. The club provided some food and included my favourite small sausage rolls, chicken nuggets, some fish things and the obligatory ham and tomato sandwiches. No alcohol, but that was compensated for by the club providing the chilli, tomato, mustard and barbeque sauces.
The all time winner of most trophies was ‘little Mary’ and at 93 years of age still beats all of us. She was for many years the NSW champion. She won the singles, the doubles, the triples, the whole bloody lot with also pocketing most of the ‘runner ups’ etc. It took two men to carry all the trophies back to the car.
I am not even enrolled as a member. Even so, my trophy was for the men during 2017 having played better than the females! A hoot really, because most times men and women play together.
This little club is unique. We are all getting closer to the Pearly Gates with many suffering dodgy irritable bowels, lameness, carry spare legs or hearts. Yet, we plod on and keep each other company and look after each other. I have never felt more welcome and take great pleasure in their company.
Who would have known?
Helvi and I wish all the patrons a happy Christmas and New year. Take it easy!
Gez
Thanks Shoe,
Helvi is a bit crook at the moment, receiving all sorts of tricks and benefits through her veins via nice and caring nurses at the hospital.
Fancy a nurse with a two year and five year old working on Christmas day emptying bed pans?
I don’t want to pour water on Christmas cheers but have a thought of those having to work on Christmas day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hope Helvi has recovered by now.
LikeLike
Thank you Yvonne,
She is getting better and nurses are happy. The Doctor sees her daily. Helvi doesn’t want a fuss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give Helvi my love please. You were up late.
LikeLike
I will. Thank you Viv.
LikeLike
Speedy recovery for Helvi, best wishes
LikeLike
Oosterman bowls. Sounds good. Did Helvi not take it up too? All the best Gerard -do pop in more often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will try more often, Viv.
Politics is so depressing at the moment.
LikeLike
It is indeed.
LikeLike
It’s very entertaining carpet bowls. Now for the cricket.
Is the text big for the hard of seeing..
Alt the best to you and Helvi for the season
LikeLike
Thank you, Algy. You are a always regarded as a champ by H and me .
LikeLike
Carpet bowls is highly competitive up here in NE Victoria!
Merry Christmas, Gez, Helvi and Milo the Wonder Dog.
LikeLike
Whereabouts in NE Victoria?
LikeLike
Got it from your website – Myrtleford – yay
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got a trophy and never felt prouder. Who could have thought?
LikeLiked by 1 person
See, you were a crack athlete, just waiting for your time and sport, Gerard. 🙂 (PS I’m rather envious!)
LikeLike
Thank you, Yvonne. The same to you. May Naples be beckoning forever more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And lets not forget the cricket and the blissful sleep that follows. Seasons greeting to you and Helvi.
LikeLike
Thank you Mark, Helvi thinks you are very genuine and funny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You rock, you good thing. Seasons greetings, Gez to you and Helvi and family and friends. xxoo
LikeLike
Thank you, Shoe. You are a beacon of light in times of darkness..
LikeLike