October 1, 2009

The career of one of the nice guys of the game, Cliff Graybrook, doesn't follow the stereotype of the usual bowler of his era, who generally took up the game of bowls after giving football or cricket away.

Not that Cliff was any slouch at either of those sports.

He played Colts and Reserves for Swan Districts as a fearsome fullback, and was a fiery fast bowler with Bassendean- Bayswater, being selected in the State Colts squad in 1956.

Cliff accompanied a few footy teammates to Bassendean Bowling Club in 1958, and was immediately sold on the game. “I was lucky enough to make an acquaintance with Len Welch, who was instrumental in teaching me how to deliver a bowl at first, then the rudimentaries of the game. Anyone who has seen Cliff put a bowl down can attest to the silky smooth delivery that was perfected with the astute coaching of Len.

After spending an apprenticeship in the lower divisions and acquiring a set of Henselite fives, Cliff was promoted to Bassendean's top red side as a leader.

It was then that fate, in the form of his employers, the Commonwealth Bank, intervened.He was transferred to Boyup Brook, followed over the next decade by further postings at Collie and York. In the country, bowls was to take a backseat to football and cricket for most of that period, although he did resume pennants at York, where he skippered for two seasons. It was at York that he won the York Cup for his golfing prowess.

Returning to the city in 1976, Graybrook joined Bedford , beginning an association with the club that has seen him win seven singles titles, three pairs championship wins, two successes in the triples, and a fours club championship. Cliff would always play in a club fours without any topline players in his side, preferring to give the newer bowlers an opportunity.

It took him five years to crack it into Bedford's top side, but he has seldom been out of it since. In 1982, Cliff Graybrook put his name in the higher echelons of bowls by taking out the State Mixed Pairs with Phil Menagh.

In 1991, Graybrook finished equal third in the State Singles. “That was memorable, because I actually beat the champ Dennis Katuna-Rich on the way,” Cliff told us. “It has become more remarkable since because on every occasion we have met since, he has towelled me up,” he laughed. The same year he was selected in the State Squad. “I was under no illusions, though,”he said. “I had it put quite plainly to me that at the age of fifty I wasn't in the frame for higher honours.”

A member of the Commonwealth Bank State side for four interstate carnivals, Graybrook was successful in Queensland, taking first place as third for Keith Clifton(Yokine), accompanied by another Yokine player in Peter Warden, with Bert Hall(Osborne Park) leading.

Cliff Graybrook has been a Rock of Gibraltor for the Bedford Bowling Club. A solid and consistent performer for the club over thirty three years, he is a classic draw bowler, who doesn't get flustered into playing panic shots. But it's not only his ability as a bowler and his loyalty to the club that has led to the nickname “Mr Bedford.” Since serving for most of the nineties as club secretary and bar manager, Cliff has taken on every position on the committee. He has been a trouble shooter both on and off the green.

And he is still putting his hand up. We were lucky enough to grab him at home in between doing voluntary work on the greens and surrounds and signing on for the afternoon as temporary bar manager. He also does several days a week for the Bayswater Community, transporting patients to hospital and back.

Cliff nominated Katuna-Rich and John Rainoldi as the best bowlers he has seen.

His other nomination, for “most embarrassing moment,”goes to the final of the Bedford Bowl one year.

“ I split my strides as I was playing a bowl.” he recalled. “It was in front of two hundred spectators lining the banks, and the view for them was immaculate. And it was also early in the game, so to say that I bowled under duress that day would be a fair comment.”

Cliff Graybrook recently received a huge boost. “To my surprise I have been selected for the Over Sixty Australian Carnival in Tasmania next month. It is a great honour,” was his comment.

One can make an observation that on this occasion age will not be a hindrance for State honours for the irrepressable Cliff Graybrook.


RON HEAD