HE’S been trying for more than 20 years, and this year he did it – for his mum.

Phil Hobday has always been one of Moree’s best lawn-bowlers, but winning a Moree Magpies A-grade singles club championship has eluded him.

Hobday’s mum, Glenda, passed away in 2018, but she’s never been far away in the years since, especially when her son is on the bowling greens at Moree Services Club.

Hobday played textbook bowls all year, and his efforts were recognised at the Magpies’ presentation luncheon and Christmas party at Moree Services Club on Saturday.

The Hobday family is steeped in lawn-bowls history. Phil’s brother, Peter, is a national and state title-holder, and their parents Glenda and Darcy were local, zone and state champions – and 90-year-old patriarch Darcy was there on Saturday to proudly watch his son received the coveted trophy.

Phil Hobday and his dad Darcy at the Magpies’ presentation luncheon and Christmas party at Moree Services Club on Saturday.

“It’s very emotional,” Phil Hobday said.

“My mum was a bowler – a great bowler – and everyone says she was the best bowler out of the Hobdays.

“She’s here with me today, and to have my family here – my dad, and sisters and brothers – means a lot.

“This is my first singles championship. I’ve won the fours, triples and pairs in the past, but this is my first singles,” he smiled.

Magpies’ club president Wayne Tighe said Phil was a deserving winner after so many years trying.

“Phil’s never won a club singles championship before and he’s been playing for about 25 years,” Tighe said.

“It’s something he’s always wanted to win – something he needed to win – and he beat some really good bowlers this year to get there.

“Phil played beautiful bowls right through the championships.

“There were 21 nominations from Moree for the competition this year. It’s a local A-grade singles  knock-out event registered with Bowls NSW and Phil will represent the Magpies in the state champion of champions.

“Phil was on fire this year – on the jack the whole time – and played absolutely beautiful bowls,” Tighe said.

(from left) John, Phil, Carol, Peter and Trish Hobday with dad Darcy at Moree Services Club on Saturday.

A-grade singles runner-up was Rod Tighe, with Mark Gammon and Craig Walton beating brothers Rod and Merv Tighe in the A-grade pairs’ championship.

Lofty Tighe, Craig Walton and Rod Tighe were named A-grade triples winners, beating Ray Shepherd, Steven Haines and Mark Lees and A-grade fours winners were Lofty Tighe, Craig Walton, Merv Tighe and Rod Tighe.

Runners-up were Terry Duncan, Aubrey Duncan, Phillip Schoupp and Scott Beers.

The B-grade singles championship was won by Ray Shepperd from Craig Rutledge, with B-grade pairs winners Paul Raveneau and Ray Shepherd beating Ray Rutledge and Annie Rutledge.

Minor-major winners were Ray Dennison and Phillip Schoupp, from Chris Cox and Steven Haines.

“It’s been a very busy year and a very successful year,” Wayne Tighe said.

One of the season highlights for Moree Magpies was finishing runner-up in the State Fours Grade 4 Pennants Final at Wagga Wagga in June.

More than 164 teams from across New South Wales competed for a grand-final berth and Moree Services Club Magpies clinched one of those spots and a shot at the state title – but were beaten 71 shots to 52 by metro south-west team, St Johns Park Saints.

“That was a great effort to get that far in a competition that stared with 164 teams – a great effort,” Tighe said.

“We played in a lot of state events, and still have two more to finish the year. We’ll also host the regional zone qualifiers in early December.

“Early next year, we’ll again have the NSW Aboriginal Bowls Tournament and just prior to that, Bowls NSW has asked up to host the state singles qualifying round – we’re in for another busy year,” Tighe said.

Words and Images: Bill Poulos