Terry Ricketts and son Michael have teamed up to win a very good purse for their bowling exploits, alongside some other mates in Sydney.
Terry said, “I played there last year on an invitation from the Club from a friend of Michael’s who is a member of the Club. He said come down this year, which we did. “We hooked up together in the team – Michael works in the Police Force, Peter Guthrie who skipped the side is in the Police Force, myself and Sammy Murray who is part of the Twin Town Club and a good mate of Michael’s as they played football together.
“The Tournament is the Campbelltown Catholic Club invitation fours. You get a start, you have to be invited.
“There was 18 teams that played in the comp over the two day event.
“You are up against Wetherill Park, St Johns Park, you are up against all the good clubs from Sydney. It was no coincidence that all four players have also been very good footballers, with many footballers retiring from the game to take up bowls.
“All four of us played footy. We were going down there to enjoy ourselves essentially, but we did give ourselves a chance and we tacked on and all we had to do was win six games and hope for a margin and the six games we won and then all of a sudden you are on the scoreboard and a placing.
“Michael led, Sam Murray second, myself third and Peter Guthrie skipper and it worked really well.
“It was $6800 first prize. It was a big tournament. We have to go again next year to defend the crown.
“I said to the team “don’t go and look at the leader board” and all of a sudden we heard that we were playing the leaders the last game and we were running fourth on the percentages and we came from fourth to winning. We beat St John’s Park in the final.
“We beat them by three shots. We were holding six and they needed six. We needed bases covered and we covered them as that is what it is about.
“They were a good side St John’s Park, they had that little bit of luck you need. We had 50/50 weather, t-shirt during the day, but the wind was bad, as it was all over the state that day. The Club looked after the teams and had some lovely amenities on hand.”
When asked about the Harden green, Terry thought it might have needed another week but was very close to being in tip top condition.
It has been out since late December as it is most years for maintenance.
“The Harden green is looking good. A few boys have had a roll.
“There’s a few Harden bowlers in the Cootamundra Maestro’s and then the pennant season starts for here.
“The pennants include Boorowa, Harden, Coota and Young.
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