Great Public Schools Old Boys Bowling Association

Newington College Old Boys Team Update

In 1954 members of the ONU joined the Old Boys from all other Great Public School teams to form the GPS Old Boys Bowling Association.  The Armidale School (TAS) has not fielded a team because there are few Old Boys in Sydney and surroundings, although in 2015 there was an Old Boy who was interested in playing and became affiliated with Grammar.

Every year the Association President is nominated from a different school giving equal sharing of the responsibility and new leadership ideas.   There are two other executive positions that are not rotated, the Treasurer and Secretary so there is continuity in the record keeping and reporting.  We have a close association with the GPS Old Boys Union.

The competition is held annually on the third Sunday afternoon between May to November at Mosman Bowling Club.  The format is 2 teams of 3 bowlers playing traditional 3 Bowl Triples and points are awarded for the winners of each rink and the overall winner.  Newington has been very competitive as can be seen in the following achievements per school: (in order of most wins)

There have been ties 3 times for winners: 1980, 1991, 1998

1. Joeys 15 wins and 13 R/Up
2. High 14 wins and 17 R/Up
3. Newington 13 wins and 8 R/Up
4. Shore 11 wins and 18 R/Up
5. Riverview 5 wins and 7 R/Up
6. Scots 4 wins and 8 R/up
7. Grammar 4 wins and 4 R/up
8. Kings 2 wins and nil R/Up
9. Armidale Nil wins and Nil R/Up

At present we have 11 regular members: John Dansie; Keith Handley; Ian Moffatt; Clarrie White snr; Clarrie White jnr; Michael Winkler; Bruce Robbins; Bob Faragher; Cec Thompson; Peter Ward; and we’re pleased to welcome Andrew Trollope.

The competition is most enjoyable, and while being very competitive, is played in excellent spirit.  It also gives the opportunity of catching up with fellow Newingtonians and renewing relationships with friends from the past from other schools.

Unfortunately, Sydney High withdrew from the competition because of a reduction of members, caused mainly by the aging of players, increasing demands for family time and an inability to attract new members.  There is no argument that this is a common problem with a lot of sports.  High has been replaced by Knox so we can keep the competition going in its present format and there is no doubt the other Associated Schools will be included in the future.

If any Old Boys are interested in joining us please contact Peter Ward 0411 409 216, 02 9452 1105, peterdward@optusnet.com.au. Also please let us know if you know any other GPS Old Boys who are interested in playing because we can put them in contact with the appropriate school co-ordinator.

Peter Ward (ON 1962)

ON Team Co-ordinator