James Murphy
THE Mount Gambier RSL and District Bowling Club recently claimed the illustrious honour of winning the Division 1 Open Pennant title.
While the club’s Red team is no stranger to premiership success in the top grade, there was something a little different about the 2022-23 triumph.
It was the first time in four decades the Division 1 premiership was won without Ralph Stafford featuring in the side.
That statement alone might not carry much weight, as some clubs go longer periods between successes.
However, the RSL had won 33 premierships and finished runner-up six times during this time, with the latest win putting an end to an unprecedented streak for Stafford.
Stafford joined the club in 1982 and stepped straight into the Division 1 Red side where he has remained since.
“I came here with Bruce Sims who I used to work with,” Stafford said.
“He got me to come out and we won the pairs the first year.
“I led for one year for Division 1 and then I was skipper.
“It wasn’t until about three years ago I went back to third.”
He missed this year’s grand final due to family commitments, which kept him off the greens for half of the season.
Returning mid-way through the campaign, Stafford did not want to take any opportunities away from a teammate.
“When I came back I didn’t want to take anyone’s place in finals,” he said.
“They did alright and beat Mount Gambier on their home ground.”
Stafford watched the match from the sidelines, which he said was a strange feeling.
“It was really unreal, to be in it so long and then all of a sudden be watching,” he said.
Stafford’s decorated career also features an impressive list of club championship wins.
Those include an equal record six singles championships and five runner-up finishes, along with five pairs, three fours and four triples championships.
“The anniversary fours we have won two and I won the George Adams singles once and finished runner-up once,” he added.
“(The George Adams event) is a big one, they come from Adelaide and all over for that.”
Stafford also represented the region on several occasions over the years.
“I was skipper in the Round Robin side for about 25 years,” he said.
“That goes to Adelaide and we play against all the country teams.”
In fact, this season’s Round Robin success was the first win since Stafford skippered the side to victory 29 years ago.
Stafford’s passion for bowls is clear to see and when asked what has kept him involved in the sport for over 40 years, Stafford’s answer was simple.
“I just love it,” he said.
He equally enjoys the social aspect of the bowls scene and his home is conveniently located within walking distance of the club.
“You play bowls and then have your beers after it – that is part of it,” he remarked.
“You get to meet a lot of people (through the sport) and I have met thousands of people all around the place.”
Stafford’s career is not over yet and he will no doubt have his sights set on notching up another premiership in the 2023-24 season.
