Emu Point Bowling Club and Matt Mitchell take out country WA top bowling awards

Emu Point Bowling Club has received the Jim Murray Award as the outstanding country bowling club in WA for 2019-20.

The Bowls WA Awards Night was held at the Royal Perth Golf Club on October 2, and the club did not only have a win in that one category.

Albany star Matt Mitchell was also named the country bowler of the year after a superb 12 months on the greens.

It was the second time Emu Point had been crowned top WA country club, with their inaugural award coming back in 1992-93.

EPBC club president Doug Wright said the award meant a lot.

“It’s quite prestigious, actually, a lot of recognition for the club,” he said.

“It’s actually pretty humbling to be recognised.

“It’s great to get back to the top again and be crowned best club.”

Emu Point were one of two finalist and defeated Busselton to take out the top gong.

To be crowned the country bowling club of the year, each nominee needs to meet certain criteria.

Clubs must hold strong events in the year, members performing well at events and the condition of their facility are among the criteria.

“It goes back to inter-zone round robin which was held here two years ago but last year the inter-league round robin was held here as well,” Wright said.

“The way that was conducted by the past president and his committee and also the quality of the greens along with the volunteer help was a big part of winning.

“The crowning glory was Matt Mitchell winning the pairs, him and Jon Sharpe winning the country week pairs and Matt winning the country week singles.

“Matt had won the State pairs as well and the ladies have won back-to-back first division pennants grand finals in the past two seasons so that helps”

Wright said Mitchell was a great bowler to have involved at Emu Point.

“He has a club to heart that’s for sure and just his youth and enthusiasm brings a lot to the club and he’s a quality player of course,” he said.

“We’ve got to give Matty and Sharpy credit for that to get us up there and among the best.”