BOWLER Norm Thomas represented Ocean Grove in Pennant Competition for the 700th time in December, having played an average of just over 18 games a year in the past 38 years.
Norm is currently third on the list of most games played behind the late Jim Longden who played 745 and Mick Harris who played 705 games. Also closing in on the 700 milestone are Geoff (Moth) Fry on 634 and Ron (Jungle) Thorley on 620 games.
Norm and wife Brenda shifted to Ocean Grove in 1969 and Norm played cricket for the Grove, but took a keen interest in bowls mainly because they lived across the road from the club. It wasn’t long before Norm was a fixture at the Club. He has spent over 30 years in various committee positions including Chairman of the Board and he still volunteers his services as Club Historian. Norm certainly deserved his Life Membership status which he received in 1999.
Norm has also served the club well on the greens and is still doing so. He has been a regular member of the club’s number one pennant side for 38 years and has achieved many championship awards including two club singles titles, four club pairs titles and an association singles championship. Along with his 700 pennant games there have also been numerous representational games. Norm claims to have only missed 3 pennant games in his 38 years and then was when he was on long service leave. Norm claims that the highlight of his career was being part of Ocean Grove’s only top division premiership side in 1985.
Norm has always enjoyed the competitive nature of the game and comradeship received from playing in a team sport. Bowls and in particular the Ocean Grove Bowling Club has been a major part of Thomas family’s life. Norm said that Brenda deserves most of the credit for his longevity in the game. While Norm was playing bowls, Brenda was taking care of things at home including their 3 children, Jane, Sophie and Chris, and while Brenda enjoyed the occasional game of bowls and golf (and is apparently quite handy at both) her priorities were always at the family home.
Congratulations Norm, looking forward to seeing you play number 800.
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