NORTH Albury’s Norm Honey has been recognised for an outstanding season by winning the Albury and District Bowling Association’s grade 3 bowler of the year award.
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It is believed to be the first time history that a bowler has achieved maximum points from the matches he played.
Honey was voted the best bowler in his rink, getting three votes in nine rounds.
One round of pennant was washed out.
It is due recognition, with teammates saying it is probably the best he has played in 10 years.
His form earned him a skipping role in the Zone 8 (Riverina) senior team for the state senior sides championship at Harbord from May 19 to 21.
It is the third time he has won a bowler of the year award.
His other wins were in grade 1 and 2.
Honey, who is association secretary, said the recognition of his peers and fellow bowlers was a great thrill.
Howlong’s Phil Slater, a Zone 8 senior team, representative, won the grade 4 award.
Max Duncan (North Albury) had a popular win in grade 5, Ron Wiesner (Walla) claimed grade 6 and Graeme Hodges (Culcairn) took out grade 7.
It was the district’s 17th presentation day and bowler of the year function.
The event, sponsored by the Commercial Club and Murray Gardens Retirement Village, was attended by Bowls NSW president Vince Beard and CEO Greg Helm.
The Bowls Australia regional manager for the Riverina, David Inglis (Wagga), and Zone 8 secretary, Bill Spletter (Temora) also attended.
They were involved in presentations to championship winners, winning pennant teams and bowlers of the year.
Both Mr Helm and Mr Beard said they were impressed with the function and the recognition of bowlers in all grades.
They met the Albury and District’s board along with Spletter on Saturday evening.
Many issues were discussed including a proposed rise in affiliation fees for Bowls NSW.
Club officials in the Albury district have said they were disappointed at a fee rise of almost 30 per cent.
But the Bowls NSW representatives said the money is required for operating costs.
They also said that, in the long term, the association’s magazine would be phased out with information provided online.
The board met on Tuesday to discuss the weekend and minutes will be distributed.
The voting — Grade 3: Norm Honey (North Albury) 27, Craig Hall (Culcairn) 18, Dave Trebley (Culcairn), Phil Jones (North Albury), Vic Moore (Lavington) 16; Grade 4: Phil Slater (Howlong) 20, Ian Nixon (Lavington) 17, Pat Parnell (Commercial Club), Trevor Fribence (Commercial Club), Peter West (Howlong), Bill Collins (Lavington) 16: Grade 5: Max Duncan (North Albury) 21, Mark Sutcliffe (Oaklands) 19, Peter Gale (Commercial Club), Peter Chaston (Rand) 16, Warrem Musgrave (Holbrook), John Hegarty (North Albury) 15: Grade 6: Ron Wiesner (Walla) 25, Ted Meiers (Commercial Club) 19, Rich Meyer (Henty) 16, Peter Lyon (North Albury), Trevor Taylor (Henty), Charles Morris (Howlong) 15: Grade 7: Graeme Hodges (Culcairn).
