RAYMOND Terrace Bowling Club is celebrating two major achievements in lawn bowls.
The Port Stephens-based club claimed two prestigious awards – Club of the Year and Male Bowler of the Year – at the annual Bowls NSW Awards Night held recently at Wenty Leagues Club.
It is a magnificent achievement by the Jets, who accepted their first overall NSW Club of the Year award having previously tasted success in the NSW Country Club of the Year category.
Accomplished Jets international Jay Bye-Norris was crowned Male Bowler of the Year.
The Club of the Year award recognises the hard work, dedication and passion by lawn bowlers, officials and staff that support a successful program.
At a state level, the Raymond Terrace Jets finished runner-up in both the TAB Platinum Pennant and State Men’s Division 1 Pennant and clinched an impressive five State titles.
The talented Norris won both the NSW and Australian Men’s Champion of Champions Singles titles and combined with world champion Lee Schraner to snare the Champion of Champions Pairs.
He beat strong contenders in 2025 recipient Ben Twist (St Johns Park) and Rohan Wilson (Merimbula) for the coveted award.
Australian Jackaroo representative Natasha Van Eldik was a finalist in the Female Bowler of the Year category after winning both the NSW and Australian Champion of Champions singles titles and partnering Gen Delves to claim the NSW Pairs.
Raymond Terrace Bowling Club’s Chief Executive Officer Jason Stokes combined with son Brendan, Lennon Scott and Norris to clinch the NSW Men’s Fours championship.
Accepting the Club of the Year award, Raymond Terrace Bowling Club Chairman Brett Gleeson praised the efforts of all Jets’ competitors.
“Our lawn bowlers never took a backward step in guaranteeing that the club was respected, almost feared, in every state and national competition” Gleeson said.
Norris enjoyed an outstanding season for the Jets, claiming both the State Men’s Champion of Champions Singles and Pairs titles along with the State Men’s Fours.
He also helped Raymond Terrace finish runner-up in both the TAB Platinum Pennant and State Men’s Division 1 Pennant and reached the semi-finals of the Men’s Inter-Region Sides Championship.
By Chris KARAS
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