Top Bowler Pays Tribute

SURFING Young gun wins crucial round email: [email protected] INSIDE Merrin to move out west By Felicity Nethery, Paul Haigh ST GEORGE Illawarra has lost Trent Merrin to Penrith for three years from 2016, and now the No. 1 priority is to keep veterans such as captain Ben Creagh and Jason Nightingale in the Dragons’ den. Penrith, New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters had chased Merrin, and in the end Panthers general manager Phil Gould got the man he wanted. Skipper Creagh and Nightingale wanted to be one-club men. Creagh, 30, made his NRL debut in 2003 and has played 246 games. Nightingale, 28, debuted in 2007, and has played 179 games and 22 Tests for New Zealand. ‘‘I would be very disappointed if I wasn’t able to get another season at the club,’’ Creagh has told Fairfax Media. ‘‘In saying that, as long as I’m playing good footy at the start of the year Triumphant: Craig Donaldson at Taren Point Bowling Club on Saturday. Picture: Jane Dyson hopefully I’ll get another opportunity for next year. ‘‘If not, that’s life. I would love to keep playing for a couple more years.’’ The Dragons have Top bowler pays tribute released internationals Brett Morris (Canterbury) and Gerard Beale WHEN Craig Donaldson was named me to do well in bowls; I owe a lot to City; and won the Taren Point Club The club’s No. 1 pennant manager (Cronulla), and are loath Bowls NSW Bowler of the Year his him for what he did for me in life, and singles and state triples title. Richard Pomana said Donaldson was a to let Creagh and mind turned to the man who was the my mother and brother who have ‘‘It’s a great club to play for and I feel vital cog in the team’s ‘‘front end Nightingale go. inspiration in his life. always supported me.’’ right at home here,’’ he said. machinery’’. The Leader The Taren Point Bowling Club player Donaldson, 32, of Wooloware — ‘‘There are so many great players and ‘‘That has traditionally been an understands premiers said his late grandfather John Hen- nicknamed ‘‘Pixie’’ by his club mates we have a strong winning culture Achilles heel for us, despite all the Souths have been keen nessy was in his thoughts when he — enjoyed a stellar year in 2014 to win where everyone knows their role.’’ talent we have had here in the past to sign Nightingale, but received the trophy last week. the award. Taren Point was named the 2014 Club decade,’’ Pomana said. ‘‘It is no fluke his loyalty to the Dragons ‘‘My grandfather got me into lawn He was a member of Taren Point’s of the Year at the Bowls NSW awards we are now winning games based on is cast in stone. bowls when I was 14,’’ Donaldson said. State No. 1 pennant and Gold Club for an unprecedented second con- our front end, and Craig is a big reason ‘‘He was my mentor and he inspired Challenge winning teams; played for secutive year. for that.’’ — Paul Haigh CONTINUED PAGE 35 OAKLAND Extension table $899 Chair $199 each 100 Parraweena Rd, Taren Point, 9525 4299 cronullafurniture.com.au G7329017AD-030315 36 - St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Call 13 24 25...That's Fairfax Community Classifieds LSU 0036.

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