The day started with genial smiles and good humour all around but it couldn’t hide an exciting tension in the air as teams readied themselves for the chance to win the championship cup.
Taking place at The Lakemba Club, the inaugural Western Suburbs Shuffleboard Championship had the Lakemba Legends taking on players from Dooleys Shuffleboard Club in nail-biting heats which culminated in the Grand Final. Dooleys had the upper hand going into the competition with 20 years of experience playing shuffleboard against the newly-formed Legends who have only been playing for six months however that didn’t stop them from giving Dooleys a good run for their money.
After a tense Grand Final game where four players from each team faced off against each other, Dooleys finally claimed victory with a decisive win over the Legends. The oldest player on the day was Hilda Riley from Dooleys who will be turning 97 years old this December and is still an active member of shuffleboard and indoor bowls.
There was approximately 40 players and supporters of both teams, including a bus load from Dooleys, who came to cheer on both teams and the competition was a fun and positive way to highlight the benefits of shuffleboard for seniors.
“I started shuffleboard over 20 years ago and this is a great game where seniors can participate in this team sport, burn calories and exercise their mind while calculating their next puck shot,” said Steve Mortimer OAM, Bulldog Legend and Founder of Steve Mortimer’s Australian Shuffleboard.
“Unfortunately we tend to become less active the older we get which has a negative effect on our overall health and wellbeing. Shuffleboard is easy to play and is a unique sport that everyone can enjoy while still experiencing the excitement of real sport and teamwork,” said Steve.
Winners from the day walked off with a trophy and bragging rights but Steve said that everyone walks away as winners in the game of shuffleboard:
“Congratulations to Dooleys for winning the first ever shuffleboard championship but ultimately all players are winners because they receive the benefits of physical and mental exercise while playing the game.” said Steve.
