It's impressive to stick with a sport for 50 years, and even more so when you spend most of that time at the top. Sophie Bond meets a champion.
Sally Shaw has a big, battered scrapbook filled with newspaper articles and congratulatory cards.
There are headlines such as Sally Scores, Sally's the Champ, Bowls Success and Masters Title to Sally.
The Glendowie resident has belonged to the Mission Bay Women's Bowling Club for 50 years and is still one of its star performers.
"This is such an awesome club," she says. "They always turn out at tournaments to cheer us on."
Mrs Shaw is full of praise for the club she joined in 1962 but less forthcoming about her own successes. "This is just the nicest club in Auckland," she says, with a wave towards the new artificial turf and neat rosebeds.
I notice her name appears regularly in gold lettering on the honours boards. "I'm up there 14 times, one for each time I've won a club championship," she says.
"In the beginning I came at least three days a week, then that increased to five or six times a week."
Over the years there have been times when she's taken breaks to look after a family member, work fulltime or deal with illness. But even when not competing she always managed to fit in weekly social games.
"In summer I still play at least three days a week and I play elsewhere in tournaments."
I ask if there's one memorable win she is particularly pleased with. "Yes, I took my regular team to a three-day surprise tournament in Glendowie - surprise because it was a mystery prize. We played against the cream of Auckland, got to the final, and won with my last bowl.
"The prize was four return trips to Honolulu. That was a good win.
"We've had some highlights," she says with a huge smile. "One year we played in the nationals here on our own green and my team beat the then-New Zealand champion and we beat a two-time world champion."
Club president Carol Pollock has been listening in.
"Sally is very competitive, I think she's got that sportsperson mindset that makes her a winner.
"She's always been such a loyal club member and I think that should be rewarded."
The club is trying to gather some of Sally's past competitors and teammates for a tournament celebrating her 50 years of membership.
Mrs Shaw looks bashful. "I don't really expect it but it's a great honour.
"In the early days here I used to do the kitchen duties, cleaning and baking, but, for this tournament, I'm just going to be a bowler."
Means to an end
Did you ever bowl with Sally Shaw? Then you're invited to the October 2 tournament celebrating Sally's 50-year bowling career. Single or team entry, 9.30am start at the Mission Bay Women's Bowling Club. Phone 528 4057 or email mbwbc@xtra.co.nz for more information.