Sport
26 October, 2025
Marlin Coast wins annual Sellwood Girgenti Shield
MARLIN Coast has taken victory for the second year in a row in the second annual Neville (Nev) Sellwood and Joe Girgenti Shield.
The shield, named in honour of the two club stalwarts, acknowledged their long-term contributions to their clubs and communities.
Twenty-four players each from Marlin Coast and Mossman bowls clubs participated in three-bowl triples and played two games of 10 ends, with a barbecue lunch and afternoon tea afterwards.
Marlin Coast claimed the trophy for the second consecutive year with an overall score of 172 over Mossman (132).
Sadly, in May this year Giuseppe (Joe) Girgenti died aged 90, so players held a minute’s silence in his honour before the start of play.
Mr Girgenti first became involved in bowls after his friend, Vince D’Addona, who played bowls, suggested he join and nominated him as a member in April 1978.
During his 46 years as a club member, Mr Girgenti (above) held the roles of greens director for about eight years and patron for about five or six years after a nomination by Bernie Wolland.
Col Andreassen nominated Mr Girgenti for life membership of the club, which he received 15-20 years ago.
He won two A-grade singles championships, one pairs title with the late Anton (Tony) Pisot, as well as triples and mixed pairs.
He first met Mr Sellwood through bowls, as he was also a member of the Mossman club, and their friendship continued for 30 years.
Mr Sellwood invited his friend to play at Marlin Coast and for many years, the duo travelled from Mossman once a week.
During his time as a member of Marlin Coast, Mr Girgenti won seven championship titles in the pairs and triples.
He played social bowls up until his death and his legacy lives on with the shield and his outstanding club achievements.
Mr Sellwood, 83, first gained inspiration to start playing bowls from his brother-in-law Tom Tomlin. He has been a club member of the Marlin Coast club since 1987 and previously held the roles of president, greens director and gardener.
At Marlin Coast, he won a swag of club championship titles including, club singles (seven times), pairs (five), triples (six), fours (nine), mixed pairs (three) and mixed fours (four).
Mr Sellwood received life membership of Marlin Coast in 2009 and today enjoys social bowls. Next year the shield will be at Mossman Bowls Club.
