Cusworth, 85, died at Albury’s Mercy Hospital after a short illness.

He was the son of Bill Cusworth, a former Wangaratta and Ovens bowling champion.

In 1961-62 Cusworth succeeded in winning the fours championship in the former Border Bowling Association.

Then followed a stream of successes and representative appearances for the district.

Cusworth won his first singles championship at Winsor Park in 1965-1966 which was followed by a further 22 titles in an amazing effort.

He was a fearsome competitor, ha-ted losing and practised hard.

There were many other titles at the now defunct Winsor Park, including consistency, handicap, pairs, triples and fours championships and Fitz-gerald Cups.

He was invited to trial for the NSW team in 1977 and made the last 16 in the state in 1989, but declined to continue competing due to the marriage of his daughter.

Cusworth had pennant successes with Winsor Park including state games in Sydney.

All games were played in Sydney in those days.

He played many representative games against all Zone 8 (Riverina) districts, the Ovens and Murray (group 6) and at the Bing Wallder Shield each November.

He transferred to SS & A in when it took over Winsor Park and played in many state pennant victories.

Cusworth enjoyed tournament play, particularly master pairs, Easter carnivals, the former Liquorland tournament and now SS & A Classic, having success in all of them.

He was voted the Albury and District bowler of the year for grade three in 2005.

Cusworth combined with son-in-law, Graeme Kilner, to win the Albury district pairs crown and then Zone 8 title in 2006, qualifying for the final 16 in the state play-offs.

He was a consummate sportsman and an absolute gentleman both on and off the greens.

His funeral will be held at St Matthew’s Church in Albury at 1.30pm tomorrow.