Stu Borrie wasn’t keen on dolls or cricket so took up bowls and 50 years on he’s still going.
He first joined the Manaia Bowling Club in 1968 aged 13 and has fulfilled many roles since, including security, barman, assistant greenkeeper as well as serving on the committee and as a selector for the Smee and Syme shield sides.
“I’ve got four sisters so I didn’t want to play with dolls, I’d rather play bowls,” Borrie said.
To help celebrate the milestone the Manaia Bowling Club presented Borrie with an engraved silver tray and four crystal goblets.
“It’s bloody nice to receive the recognition from the club and is totally unexpected,” he said.
The Borrie name has had a close association with the club since it began more than 100 years ago and who has also enjoyed great success.
Stu won his first junior title in 1968 and has played all forms of the game from singles to fours on his way to winning 22 club titles.
“My dad and four uncles all played here.” he said.
Borrie said some of his proudest achievements in bowls had been with his family.
“Winning the family fours in Waitara in the 1980’s in a team with Dad, two uncles and me was special,” he said.
“Also last year winning the Anzac fours here in Manaia, as well as my father and uncles all served.”
Hector Bell, past club president and committee member of the Manaia Bowling Club, said it was a rare feat especially for such a small club that in its prime had around 70 members but now had 26.
“He’s seen the changes from the old club rooms to the present ones and did some building and fundraising for that as well,” Bell said.
“You always know when Stuie’s on the green, you’ll always hear him.” Bell said.
“It’s a real honour and the Manaia club wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t have a Borrie in it.”
While Borrie loves his bowls it isn’t the only game he played, in younger days he was a halfback in rugby and he enjoyed the camaraderie in both games.
“All of my rugby mates I’ve ended up playing bowls with,” he said. “And all those ones you fought with on the field you now have a beer and a reminisce with.”
Borrie said he had no plans of giving the game away just yet either.
“I’ll still plod along, I’m here for life, once you’re in you’re in.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/103080446/borrie-celebrates-a-half-century-at-manaia-bowling-club
Kris Boult