Sport
11 February, 2026
Bowlers play in memory of beloved clubmate
THE fifth Peter Longford Australia Day Cup, hosted by South Johnstone Bowls Club played out on 26 January, as men and lady bowlers braved humid conditions and vied for a share of the prize money on offer.
Teams from across the region, played two games of 10 ends, or until the bell (1hr 30min time limit), with self-selected mixed three bowl triples format.
Scoring on the day saw teams with a win collect two points plus a margin, and in the event of a tie, the team who scored the greatest number of shots claimed the win. All dead ends resulted in a spot the jack.
SJBC president Shane McInerney made the presentation of the cup to the winning team of Craig Liddell, Guy Bermingham and Jodie Higgins who walked away with first prize of $420.
Silkwood’s Len and Denise Charman and Lee Mayell claimed second place and collected $300 in prize money.
In third place was the Innisfail trio of Alf Strano, Snow Clark and Greg McDonald who went home with $180.
Each year, South Johnstone Bowls Club hosts the Peter Longford Australia Day Cup in Longford’s honour as a respected member of the club.
‘Pumpkin’ Peter Longford leaves behind his legacy as a real gentleman, great bowler and for his contribution to the South Johnstone Bowls Club both, as a player and promotion of the game throughout the district on local radio and in print media.
Longford died on 12 January 2020, however his memory lives on through his wife Margaret, daughter Leanne Bolger and grandson James, as well as extended family members.
Those who knew Mr Longford, will remember his larger-than-life personality, passion for bowls and love of the South Johnstone Bowls Club.