“I didn't think I could do it. I'm well satisfied,” was the simple message Don Drabsch gave after winning his 15th A grade singles bowls title at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club last Sunday.
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In a fitting finale to the competition, Don had to call on all his experience to overcome a determined Glenn Kearney 31-27.
“I got away to get into the early 20's with Glenn stuck on eight for a time then I got stuck on 20 to see him lead 22-20 at one stage,” Don said.
Both players only gained one or two shots each before Don skipped away late with a three on one end to win.
While Don isn't too sure about defending the title next year another major title for 2017 awaits.
This weekend he pairs up with Alf Davies to play Allan Phillips and 'Bert' Bailey in a semi final of the major pairs.
“Alf goes all right, he's playing well for a new player to the game and a win with him would be great,” Don said.
Don feels his best win came when he won his first singles major against Bob Asimus, 45 years ago.
“You know I average a win (major singles) every three years,” he said.
“In that first year I had to win six matches against some very accomplished players. My first win was against 'Digger' Besgrove, then Harold Smith, Stan Shirvington, Greg Parslow, Tom Simmonds before I met Bob in the final.
“They were all very good bowlers but I feel the toughest player I ever met was Lenny Nicholson. You can also mention Greg (Parslow), another top player,” Don said.
With pride Don admits he was lucky this year as the club lost two of their best players in his grandsons, Mitchell and Jarrod Andrews.
“They would have beaten me,” he said.
Mitchell is playing rugby league for Newcastle and hasn't missed a game this season, Jarrod is doing a boiler maker apprenticeship in Wollongong.
“They both can play bowls but it is good to see them doing well away from home,” Don admitted.
If it hadn't been for his wife Tup, bowls may have never been part of Don’s life.
“Tup joined me up at the bowlie in 1968 and a pair of bowls shoes came as a Christmas present, to which I stated, 'they will be good to feed the chooks and pigs in'.
“The 'old man' (Edgar) gave me a lesson with Hector Merritt and Merve Genge before I had to have three lessons with club coach at the time, Tom Simmonds, to get on the greens for a competition game,” Don said.
“Bowls is a good game. Everyone can play it and I feel the game does have a good future but club rules and regulations do make it harder than when I first started.”
All at the 'bowlie' only have praise for Don as a very good sportsman and good for the club, sentiments echoed by rival Greg Parslow.
