To say John Fenwick has the edge in experience on his East Maitland Bowling club teammate Jonah Threadgate is perhaps the biggest understatement in Maitland sporting history.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fenwick, 94 next week, and Threadgate 11, have a massive 83 year age difference.
But both share a love of the game and were delighted to line up together to help the
East Maitland division 7 (2) team to a 14 shot victory over Dungog.
Fenwick is a life member of the East Maitland Bowling Club and has played lawn bowls there since 1977.
“Bowls has been apart of my life since I can remember,” he said.
“But I can honestly tell you that I have never played with a junior who’s aged at least 83 years younger than me.
“Let me tell you he was a delight to play alongside with a very sharp wit and a very good eye.
“It was a great day for the team and even a better day for me just be to able to play next to Jonah.”
And the same compliments were handed back to John from his junior.
“It was a real thrill to learn from John,” Threadgate said.
“I enjoyed my time out there with him.”
Fenwick has played lawn bowls for about 50 years.
“I have always enjoyed the companionship from bowls,” Fenwick said.
“It’s a game where you can meet friends, interact and have a bit of a yarn over a drink at the end of the day.
“Plus, it’s a chance to get out of the house and be active in the community.”
Fenwick said he has seen the sport going from strength to strength in the past decade.
“There are many more younger men playing the game these days.” Fenwick said.
“For the sport to survive and flourish it relies on younger folk like Jonah to take up the game.
“It’s the best game to be involved with that’s for sure,” Fenwick said.