BARBARA McPhee recently captured her 15th major singles title at the Muswellbrook RSL Women’s Bowling Club.
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But, surprisingly, she won’t stress too much if she never wins another crown.
“I’m not driven by success,” McPhee admits.
“I’m just happy to play bowls.”
That might be some relief for her opponents – as the local woman has now amassed 139 accolades, including the current one at the expense of Helen Medhurst.
McPhee has her name on the club championship honours’ board at least 70 times, from singles (15) to pairs (20), triples (15) to fours (20).
Then throw in the mixed triumphs, a further 22 victories.
At district level, she’s walked away with another 23 plaudits – in singles (eight), pairs (five), triples (two) and fours (eight).
She also skipped the winning district side in the Versatility Shield in 2014.
“I’ve had more than my share of victories,” McPhee said.
“If I never win another one, I’m fine with that.
“I’m very proud of anything I’ve achieved.”
McPhee, who started her illustrious career in 1987, is a great ambassador for the sport – on and off the rink.
“I like helping other players; it’s a bonus,” she said.
“I received a lot of encouragement over the years, especially from the men in the early days.
“So, it’s nice to give something back.”
Of all her conquests, McPhee said one match stood out.
“My first district singles victory gave me the most satisfaction,” she explained.
“I was really excited to beat Heather Hayden.
“She was known as the ‘queen of the green’.”
Next on McPhee’s agenda are the upcoming district pairs and pennant competitions.
An incredible career
District championships –
Singles (eight): 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015
Pairs (five): 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2016
Triples (two): 1995, 1998
Fours (eight): 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2016
Club championships –
Singles (15): 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017
Pairs (20): 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016
Triples (15): 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
Fours (20): 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015
Grand slam: 5
Consistency Shield: 11
Mixed pairs (12): 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014
Mixed triples (6): 1991, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2009
Mixed fours (4): 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004
Pennants –
Grade 3 (4): 1998, 2001, 2002, 2009
Grade 4 (3): 2005, 2011, 2013