DAVE EDWARDS, Bowls Nelson secretary
Bowls Nelson has capped off one of its most successful seasons with an annual prize-giving at Club Waimea.
The night celebrated a standout year for the centre, marked by international honours, national titles and historic milestones achieved by local players.
A major highlight was recognition for Val Smith, who was awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s New Year Honours for her achievements on the international bowls stage. Further accolades followed when Val and her long-time playing partner Jo Edwards MNZM were inducted into the World Bowls Hall of Fame.
The honour reflected two extraordinary international careers, with multiple World and Commonwealth Games medals won between them. One title still regarded as a career-defining moment was their World Bowls pairs victory in 2008.
Although both have retired from international competition, Val and Jo continue to excel at national and local level. In July last year, they teamed up with clubmates Di Holland and Kay Hammond to win the Bowls New Zealand Champion of Champions fours title.
The result earned Val and Jo their 15th Bowls New Zealand silver stars, making them the first players in the country to reach the milestone.
Success on the national stage continued in March when the Nelson women’s and Stoke men’s interclub sevens teams both claimed Bowls New Zealand national interclub titles. It is believed to be the first time in one season that both champions have come from the same bowls centre.
As a member of the Nelson women’s side, Kay also achieved her Bowls New Zealand silver star for winning her fifth national title, underlining the strength of depth within the local game.
Further honours followed in January when Stoke’s Kirsten Edwards teamed up with Christchurch player Mandy Boyd to win the Bowls New Zealand national pairs title in Christchurch. The victory saw Kirsten earn her gold star for securing her fifth national open title.
Adding to the celebratory mood, Bowls Nelson also acknowledged Shannon McIlroy’s selection for the Bowls New Zealand Commonwealth Games team, which will compete in Glasgow in August.
