EVELYN.THORN@cluthaleader.co.nz
Success in bowls is never ending in South Otago.
The South Otago Indoor Bowls Association held its annual end›of›year function and prizegiving on Saturday, and celebrations continued as prizes and trophies were distributed.
The social event included drinks, supper and a theme of wearing something starting with the letters S or O.
Winners, runners›up and participating members were acknowledged on the night.
Their indoor bowls season begins in April and finishes in August.
The association was not deterred from having a good season when its main venue at the old Balclutha Memorial Hall went under renovation.
It instead made use of the Clinton Hall and occasionally the Balclutha Town and Country Club.
President David Fenton said the finishing night was memorable. He congratulated all who went along, and acknowledged the keen 200 bowlers affiliated with the association.
‘‘We’ve got a good thing going with indoor bowls, and this year we’ve had plenty to celebrate.
‘‘We’re a good community and we’re always keen on getting together and having a good time,’’ he said.
A gold star is handed out which represents winning five South Otago championship events.
For every five more a bar is added beside the gold star for 10 wins, 15 wins and so on. Chris Moffitt received his gold star on the prizegiving night and Shona Preddy received a bar to go alongside her gold star.
Milestones did not stop there as Robert Wilson received his 30th title. He won his first title in 1987, and overall has won 13 titles in singles, five in triples, three in fours and nine in pairs.
He is the first bowler in South Otago to achieve the milestone.
This achievement gave Wilson the opportunity to receive the annual player of the year award, which goes to the bowler in the association who accumulates the most points in several championship events throughout the season.
A highlight for South Otago was the inclusion of two of their members in the South Island team which played the North Island in the annual fixture in August.
Wilson featured with his inclusion in the men’s pairs, while newcomer Hannah Botting played in the women’s triples.
Fenton said new members were welcome and could contact Shona Preddy on 0274412811 for further inquiries and information.
