TATHRA’S James Reynolds is now the two-time NSW Disability Bowler of the Year.
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Reynolds will go in the history books as the first person to claim back-to-back titles according to Bowls NSW.
Reynolds said he was delighted to win the award and very proud.
“I’m told I am the first player to go back-to-back, or the first player to win two at all so I’m very proud of that,” Reynolds said.
Meanwhile, Merimbula’s Dylan Cuthbert narrowly missed out on being named Junior Bowler of the Year, with Mt Lewis’ Dylan Skinner taking the prize.
Taren Point claimed honours in the Club of the Year division.
Reynolds was awarded the top spot after another stellar year of competition, including being a member of the Zone 7 grade one winning team from Tathra Beach.
Reynolds thought his playing in the Australian Open and State Singles were determining factors in getting the award.
“The main things that got me the award were the Australian Open singles last February and backing that up were the NSW state titles.”
He also was the 2013 NSW Wheelchair Sports singles and pairs champion, won the 2013 Zone 7 singles and was a quarter-finalist in the NSW State Singles.
Reynolds said he was delighted with the award and was happy to have friends with him on the night.
“My best mate is up here, so we celebrated.”
Reynolds said he had already received a large number of well-wishes from friends on Facebook and thanked the community and his home club for the support.
“I really have to thank the Tathra Beach Bowling Club.
“Them allowing me to attend so many events and build my career is how you are able win awards like this,” he said.
Reynolds is now looking for selection in the Australian team to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
After being selected last June as part of a 12-person disabled trial squad, Reynolds is on the short-list for selection.
“Basicially I’m in the last squad of six.
“I’m actually travelling to Melbourne a few times this month to train on the greens that we’re trialling on,” he said.
Reynolds said there would be a final three-day trial camp from February 7 to 9, with the preliminary team to be named on February 10.
Reynolds said he was gunning for one of three spots for disabled players out of an Australian squad of about 15.
Reynolds hoped he was a “good chance to make the squad” after he trialled very well in December.
“My form in my practices on those greens has been very solid, so I’m very confident, but you never know.”
If chosen on February 10 Reynolds would form part of the Australian squad who start training together in March, but said “nothing is set in stone”.
After the team is named, Reynolds said it was unlikely for members to change.
“Once they pick the team is when you actually start.
“So after that it’s very unlikely that they will change it, that’s when they start working you with the other team members.”
