Mosstodloch man Joe Cruickshank (93) becomes club champion at Spey Bay Indoor Bowling Club
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An indoor bowler has become his club’s champion at the age of 93.
Joe Cruickshank is the toast of Spey Bay Indoor Bowling Club after picking up their top honour for the third time in his life, but the first in many years.
The Mosstodloch pensioner doesn’t play outdoor summer bowls due to the longer rinks and heavier bowls, but proved he still has the stamina for the shorter game by going all the way in his club’s championship.
He modestly played down his achievement, but admitted he has set his sights on trying to retain his title at the age of 94 next year.
“It’s not bad I suppose for a 93-year-old,” he said. “I’ve been playing for a while now, I can’t remember how long but it’s just the indoor bowling I do now at Spey Bay.
“ I have played outdoor in the past but not very often. It’s a bit too hard for me now anyway, it’s harder for me to put the bowls up the greens as they are that much heavier.
“It’s a nice wee club Spey Bay. There is never any bother or trouble with anyone else. Everybody gets on with everyone else and of course you get to meet new people.
“There’s not so many people playing there now, but we do have some new members.
“We just play in the winter on a Tuesday and a Friday, and it’s all finished now. I won’t be playing until next winter but I will have to defend my championship, and I will be 94 by then.”
Joe knocked out the reigning champion in the second round, then defeated the wife of the champion in a close final to land the trophy.
“I was a wee bit tired when I won it,” he said. “I have won it before, twice before but some time ago.
“The matches are first to 21 and I thought that would be a bit too long for me but I managed. The person I was playing was very kind and helpful, and it was a close game but I won 21-16.
“I suppose I’m doing quite well for my age and I feel good and enjoy my game of bowls.”
Joe relocated to Mosstodloch from his previous home in Auchenhalrig around ten years ago, and loves competing at Spey Bay.
Club treasurer Moira Brown said Joe was a worthy champion and a popular member at the club.
“He had to play really well, as we have a lot of good players within the club,” she said.
“He’s a very good bowler but to manage this at the age of 93 was very special.
“We have various championships for pairs, triples and rinks but this was the overall championship and he did really well to win it.”
