Many yea rs ago the Late John And Judy Bowering decided to organise a celebration of Australia Day for the Sprite Club of SA. Originally we had a run through the Hills finishing at their home in Mitcham.

On arrival we would start eating, drinking and checking out John’s cars. Then we would have BBQ , in some cases turning protein into carbon.  After that the Thong Throwing contest would begin. A pitch roughly similar to a cricket pitch would be measured out, so about 22 yards. Now this has been reduced to about half the length, which is in line with our advancing years.

The club recently decided that in respect to the Late John and Judy Bowering , that the trophy needed upgrading. So a new trophy has been made complete with a new thong, and on the back are brass plates listing the past winners, better than a texta colour marker that was rapidly fading.

Soon the day with perfect weather arrived and about 25 people arrived at Fay and Garry Brock’s home, armed with food and drinks. Normal chatter took place for an hour or so, then it was time to BBQ. Once again I could see protein turning into carbon, but nobody complained. Most ate to excess, but with such a choice of salads and sweets, what else could you do. Sprite Club members are good eaters and drinkers.

Then came time for the Thong throwing. A bucket was placed in position, and Barb stood as wicket keeper. This involved finding a lot of lost thongs thrown into the bushes. Many styles of throwing were used, and most were totally useless. The thong has unusual aerodynamics which none of us can explain.

Nobody actually got in to the bucket, both Fay Brock and Ken Dutch had it bounce out of the bucket. So we decided a ‘Throw Off’ would take place.  This seemed to take for ever, and we were prepared to  wait all afternoon if required, then Ken finally threw in to the bucket. Fay was given her chance to equalise, but Ken had it in the bucket.

Looking around our gathering  I noticed about one third of the  people would have known the Bowering’s really well, another third would have met them and rest would not of met them.

So many thanks to fay and Gary for throwing open their home to continue the tradition,for us to enjoy.