Sport
10 October, 2026
Mossman takes shield
MOSSMAN Bowls Club has reclaimed the Neville (Nev) Sellwood and Joe Girgenti Shield, turning the tables on Marlin Coast after two consecutive losses and securing a decisive 174-132 victory in a day filled with competition, camaraderie and heartfelt remembrance.
The third instalment of the shield drew 24 players from each club for three bowl triples across two 10 end games followed by afternoon tea adding to the friendly atmosphere.
Before play began, Mossman men’s president Col Widdows paid tribute to both players, especially Giuseppe (Joe) Girgenti, who died last May aged 90 and whose legacy remains deeply woven into Mossman’s history.
The shield honours two stalwarts of Far North bowls, Nev Sellwood and Joe Girgenti whose decades of service shaped both clubs.
Girgenti joined Mossman in 1978 after encouragement from his friend Vince D’Addona and went on to serve as greens director for around eight years and patron for several more. After a nomination by Col Andreassen, he earned life membership 15-20 years ago and collected an impressive list of titles, including two A-grade singles, pairs, triples and mixed pairs championships.
His friendship with Sellwood began on the Mossman greens and continued for 30 years. The pair travelled weekly to Marlin Coast, where Girgenti added seven championship titles in pairs and triples to his record. He played social bowls right up until shortly before his death, leaving behind a legacy now honoured annually through the shield.
Sellwood, who turns 85 this month, began bowling after inspiration from his brother-in-law Tom Tomlin. A Marlin Coast member since 1987, he has served as president, greens director and gardener, and has amassed an extraordinary tally of club championships: singles (7), pairs (5), triples (6), fours (9), mixed pairs (3) and mixed fours (4). He received life membership in 2009.
Sellwood paid tribute to his long time mate and the spirit of the day. “I am impressed to have a trophy named after us both as we played bowls together for many years,” he said. “This day is more about the camaraderie between the two clubs than playing to win a championship. Joe would be looking down with the biggest grin on his face.”
With Mossman now holding the shield for the first time, attention turns to next year’s instalment, set to take place next September at Marlin Coast Bowls Club.