The Murray Downs Club has three superb, high quality Tifdwarf grass bowling greens and possibly the best bowling facilities in regional NSW. We currently host the Bowls Victoria Regional Group sides Tournament and have hosted many other state and national events. The three greens are supported by plenty of shade structures, a bowls office, toilets and disabled toilet facilities and the John Mayer’s Pavilion with BBQ facilities. We welcome new players and offer support to teach you the tricks of the game, so you will be ready to compete in no time.
What are you waiting for? Take advantage of our world class bowling greens and become a bowls member. Social Bowls or Barefoot Bowls is another great way to be introduced to the game, contact the Club for more information.
| Bowls Membership & Fees for Membership Period 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Bowls Membership | $230 |
| Thursday & Social Bowls | $10 per player |
| All Club Events | $10 per player |
| All Club Tournaments | $10 per player |
| Green Fees Midweek Pennant | $10 per player |
| Green Fees Saturday Pennant | $10 per player |
| ROLE IN THE CLUB | NAME | CONTACT |
| CHAIRPERSON | GARRY MCCAIG | 0413 188 261 |
| DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON | HARRY WHITFORD | 0448 371 889 |
| SECRETARY | DAWNE HOLLAND | 0402 020 996 |
| ASSISTANT SECRETARY | SHARRON GIDDINGS | 0427 009 897 |
| TREASURER | PETER FURNELL | 0409 286 172 |
| MEDIA OFFICER | JOSIE BOYD | 0409 961 422 |
| PLAYER LIASON OFFICER | DAVID ALDERUCCIO | 0437 558 971 |
| UNIFORM COORDINATOR | DI SCOWN | 0421 711 431 |
| DELEGATES TO MURRAY REGION: | GARRY MCCAIG
PETER FURNELL |
0413 188 261
0409 286 172 |
2023-24
| MONTH | DAY | DATE | TYPE OF TOURNAMENT | START TIME | |
| SEPTEMBER | SUNDAY | 3rd | Uniform | MIXED 2 BOWL TRIPLES | 12.30 |
| SEPTEMBER | TUESDAY | 19th | Uniform | MD CLASSIC 2 BOWL TRIPLES | 9.30 |
| SEPTEMBER | WEDNESDAY | 20th | Uniform | MD CLASSIC 2 BOWL TRIPLES | 9.30 |
| SEPTEMBER | TUESDAY | 26th | Uniform | LADIES ONLY TOURNAMENT 3 BOWL TRIPLES | 10.30 |
| OCTOBER | SUNDAY | 1st | Uniform | MURRAY DOWNS BARHAM (SHIELD CHALLENGE @MDS) | 1.00 |
| NOVEMBER | TUESDAY | 7th | Uniform | MELBOURNE CUP DAY TOURNAMENT | 10.30 |
| DECEMBER | THURSDAY | 7th | Uniform | TURKEY DAY MIXED TRIPLES | 12.30 |
| JANUARY | THURSDAY | 11th | Uniform | 3 BOWL PAIRS MIXED COMBO | 12.30 |
| JANUARY | SATURDAY | 13th | Uniform | 3 BOWL TRIPLES A/C | 12.30 |
| FEBRUARY | SUNDAY | 11th | Uniform | PRESIDENTS DAY | 12.30 |
| MARCH | THURSDAY | 14th | Uniform (Jane Eliza & Worklocker) | MIXED MEDLEY 4’S | 10.00 |
Murray Downs Bowls Club Head Coach and Club Ambassador – Josh Thornton
I was born with a congenital birth defect and raised in a country town called Wahgunyah situated on the Murray River. Throughout primary and secondary school I was in and out of hospital having major surgery on my right leg, which had a significant impact on my life. Despite all the setbacks, my passion for sport never waned. My positive attitude ensured I would find a sport where I could be competitive. I found lawn bowls. I have been playing for 25 years and have overcome many barriers, finding success, representing my state and my country including the 2018 Commonwealth Games where I won Gold in the Para Triples. I am also the only bowler to have won both an able bodied and para–Australian Open title.
I have been an accredited Lawn Bowls coach for 7 years and have been head coach at several clubs. I am also completing my Master of Management (Sports Management) at Latrobe University and have been working in the Sports Industry for 10 years with experience.
Current Head coach of the Murray Downs Bowls Club
Some of Josh’s recent achievements:
- National Singles Men’s Champion – Disability – Australian Open
- Victoria Singles and Pairs Champion – Disability – Victoria
- Current Member of the Australian Jackaroos Bowls Squad
- 2018 Commonwealth Gold Medallist
- Clubs Singles Champion
- Regional Champion of Champions
