JAY Bye-Norris has achieved a myriad of success on lawn bowling greens around the country.
The former national champion, who now calls Port Stephens “home,” has proved a sensational recruit for the mighty Raymond Terrace Jets this season.
Playing alongside world class bowlers such as Lee Schraner and Matt Baus in a star-studded Jets team has lifted the prolific title winner to even greater heights.
He recently captured the NSW Bowls Champion of Club Champions Men’s Singles trophy, defeating Corrimal’s Anthony Moran by 25 shots to 13 at Club Mount Lewis in Greenacre – stamping himself as one of the nation’s most decorated lawn bowlers.
On the road to the title, Jay defeated David Mackey (West Tamworth Sports) by 25 shots to 6; Cabra Bowls’ Jack Smith by 25 shots to 15; West Dubbo’s Grant Gudmunson by 25 shots to 8 and Warilla star Corey Wedlock by 25 shots to 20 in a quarter final.
In the semi-final, he toppled Carlingford’s Darren Morrison by 25 shots to 10 to advance to the championship decider.
The title success followed his outstanding form with the Jets in the elite Platinum Pennant series – helping the Raymond Terrace club clinch the minor premiership and remain undefeated moving into the finals section.
In-form Jay played a key role in the Jets’ major semi-final win over the Warilla Gorillas – but had to settle for a runners up medal when the Gorillas turned the tables on the formidable Raymond Terrace outfit in the championship Grand Final.
Raymond Terrace Jets CEO Jason Stokes told News Of The Area that the accomplished Bye-Norris had proved a “wonderful acquisition for the club.”
“Jay continues to grow in stature and today is regarded as one of Australia’s premier lawn bowlers,” he said.
“He brings so much experience and greens nous into our team and revelled in his role as skip along with Lee and Matt in their quest for the Platinum Pennant title” Jason added.
Formerly with Melbourne club Deer Park, Jay won the 2024 Australian singles championship to add to his National Fours title in 2018 and singles bronze in 2019.
His career is characterised by consistent success, which includes being named Bowls Victoria Male Bowler of the Year in 2021.
With multiple Victorian State titles under his belt, Jay made a smooth transition into the Jets system at Raymond Terrace and has also represented the NSW Blues with distinction.
There are plenty of accolades for the international ace who remains one of only three bowlers to clinch the Victoria Men’s State singles title three times – just behind all time greats G.W Sims of Melbourne and Glyn Bosisto who each won the trophy on five occasions.
Sims left his mark with title victories in 1877, 1882, 1885, 1896 and 1897 while the legendary Bosisto won championships in 1951, 1952, 1954, 1957 and 1963.
By Chris KARAS
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