96-year-old big shot makes maiden shuffleboard contest a success

There aren’t many sports where a 96-year-old could score the winning point — but that’s exactly what Hilda Riley did last Tuesday.

Dooleys’ player Hilda Riley made the winning shot. Picture: Supplied

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There aren’t many sports where a 96-year-old could score the winning point — but that’s exactly what Hilda Riley did last Tuesday.

Ms Riley’s last shot won Dooleys Club Magpies the first ever Western Suburbs Shuffleboard Trophy.

It was NSW’s inaugural inter club championship for shuffleboard, and Dooleys took down the Lakemba Legends in a six ends, 14-8 game at the Lakemba Club.

Dooleys’ player Mabel Elliott said the team were taking the trophy straight to their Lidcombe club “to brag”.

“It was a good friendly match and lovely camaraderie — we were all winners on the day,” she said.

“But now I’m going back to Dooleys to go and brag with it.”

Lakemba Legends player Helen Meredyth, with Dooleys players Christos Diamantopoulos at the first inter-club event. Picture: Supplied

Player and president of the Lakemba Legends Shuffleboard Club Helen Meredyth said even in defeat, they had a blast.

“We lost and got thrashed by a better team but we had a really good time,” Ms Meredyth said.

Shuffleboard has seen a recent resurgence in Australia and the man behind the movement is Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs legend Steve Mortimer.

Mr Mortimer is hoping to see shuffleboards in retirement homes, licensed clubs and community centres.

“From my time as a rugby league player I know how important it is to have social inclusion,” he said.

“As you get older there are less sports you can play. Shuffleboard can make anyone from seven to 97 years old smile, be happy and enjoy playing.”

Anyone who wants to try the game Lakemba Club.

Information: shuffleboard.com.au