City accountant’s title tally matches indoor bowls great | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

Christchurch accountant Dave Philpott has his sums spot on in indoor bowls.

He’s equalled the late Alf Williamson’s record of 15 Canterbury centre titles after winning the mixed fours last week at CIBA Hall.

Philpott played third in the Hornby WMC combination of Bev (Philpott’s partner) and Ashley Diamond and Julie Dalley. It was Dalley’s sixth centre title but the first for the mother and son Diamonds.

Philpott said it had been his goal to equal the record of Williamson, a legendary personality in the sport, who won his last title in 1993.

However, he admits winning his first centre title was the best.

"The first title I won was the pairs in 1979, and we had to play Alf Williamson in the semis — and had to beat him on an extra end. The final was easier!"

Philpott, who’s been bowling since about 1973, just gets better with age.

At 51 he has plenty of time to overhaul Williamson’s total, and this year he also earned his South Island chartered clubs gold star for his fifth title.

He also won his sixth national chartered clubs title with success in the fours at Hamilton this year.

In open national indoor bowls, he has reached semi-finals twice and quarters on two other occasions.

One other goal for him is to win 10 Canterbury chartered club titles.