Sam Ball joined the RACV Bridge Club in 2005 as a social player. He had a natural love of cards and people and he was soon playing in both the Monday and Wednesday sessions, a highlight of his week. It was not long before Sam joined the Bridge Club committee as treasurer; introduced the inaugural newsletter to keep Bridge Club members up-to-date with news; hand of the month; bridge jokes and upcoming events. Sam, always keen to play with words as well as cards, had another opportunity to pursue his interest.

Marita McMahon Ball contacted RACV Club in late 2015 to ask if she could provide a trophy to the RACV Bridge Club in honour of her late husband, Sam Ball, who died suddenly on his way to the Bridge Christmas Party in 2009. 

The nominee is selected in consultation with the Bridge Club President and/or Committee, RACV Club Bridge Representative and the Director.  The desired qualities are: one who shows excellence in attitude and commitment to the Club and its members. The trophy is awarded at the Christmas luncheon by the President of the RACV Bridge Club or nominee at the discretion of the RACV Bridge Club Committee.

Rules:

The recipient must: 

•      Be a member of the RACV Club and the RACV Bridge Club 
•      Be a regular player at the Club 
•      Respect all players at the Club 
•      Respect the ethics of good bridge play and friendly competition 
•      Be involved in the Club events and 
•      Provide services to the Club on a voluntary basis 
•      Is dedicated to assisting the Bridge Club and its members

Previous Recipients

2024    Bob Jacobs.  Read Bob's award citation here. 

2023    No award given
2022    Mary Stoney
2021    No award given
2020    No award given (lunch not held due to Covid19)
2019    No award given
2018    No award given
2017    Marie Macdonald
2016    Sue Condos (inaugural)