Ferguson, who has been the greenkeeper at West Dubbo for the best part of three decades, told the Daily Liberal that Saturday’s match was to be his last on the greens that he has tended, having accepted a move to Albion Park Bowling Club on the south coast.

Furthermore, the skip of the opposing rink from Engadine Cougars was none other than his own son and current Australian Under-25 representative David Ferguson.

With the overall scores locked at 53-all and one end to play, David drew his first bowl to within nine inches behind the jack to give Engadine two shots.

But John responded to the challenge with a magnificent shot to reverse the deficit.

“I gave my shot a bit of weight and was lucky enough to get hold of the jack and drag it about four feet to give us two shots,” John Ferguson said.

“David went for a similar shot but missed by about half an inch. I must admit it was nice to win but it was unfortunate that my son’s team lost.

“We had a tremendous game with a lot of good bowls played on each end and it was the first win I’ve had against him for a while.”

The 23-14 rink win was crucial for the Warriors with Engadine taking the other two. Rob Warren defeated Matthew Pietersen and co 17-14 while Shane Garvey’s rink won 22-18 over Paul McKenzie’s.

The Warriors’ next assignment will be an away double-header at Cabramatta Bull Ants and Birrong Wombats on September 19 and 20 before a home double-header the following weekend against The Hills Hornets and Roselands Devils.

However, they will be missing the familiar face of John Ferguson.

“I finish at West Dubbo next Thursday and will head down to Albion Park straight away and my wife Rose will follow a couple of weeks later,” he said.

“I first started at West Dubbo in 1978 and apart from two-and-a-half years away have been there ever since. It hasn’t been an easy decision but after 30 years I’m looking forward to the change.

“I wasn’t looking to go but the position came up out of the blue and, since we had plans to retire down there and will be closer to family, thought in the long term it would be a good move.

“I appreciate all the support West Dubbo and the members have given myself and my family.”

Ferguson’s Western Warriors career may not be altogether over, however, having indicated to manager Paul Hagarty that pending work commitments he could be available to play the round 11 clash on November 7 against Warilla Gorillas, “just a 10 minute drive away”.