OVA v Souths: Nick Bowden's day to savour | PHOTOS

The stocky, powerfully built right winger, who would not look out of place on a rugby league field, scored a hat-trick as the undefeated reigning premiers trounced second-placed South United 7-0.

Bowden could not immediately recall scoring a hat-trick previously; however, he had no trouble recalling the motivation behind him joining OVA last season from North Companions: he wanted to rekindle his love for the game.

Mission accomplished.

"I'm enjoying playing again," he said, adding that there were more players around his age at Mushies than there were at Northies.

The "camaraderie" at Mushies, he continued, was also superior to what he had experienced at Northies.

Now the 31-year-old just needs to stay fit, after missing last season's grand final win through injury. He feels good now, although he has been "in and out" of the side this year through injury.

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"Everything," he answered, when asked what injuries he had had, before narrowing it down to hamstring and quadricep issues.

Born and bred in Tamworth, the railway electrician netted OVA's first two goals on Saturday.

Their third goal came just after the break when James Kitcher pounced.

In the 60th minute, it was 4-0 after Bowden produced a pinpoint cross and Mitchell O'Keefe wonderfully struck a low volley.

Thirteen minutes later, Kitcher chipped keeper Danial York following Jawid Karimi's through ball.

Soon after that, Bowden got his third - sending York the wrong way from the penalty spot: 6-0.

Lachlan Browne then scored another penalty goal to complete the rout.

Elsewhere on Saturday, North Companions beat Tamworth FC 1-0 and Gunnedah thumped Kootingal 6-0.

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