RAYMOND Terrace Bowling Club are celebrating a year of milestones in 2023.

The Port Stephens-based organisation underlined its depth of talent when crowned the NSW Lawn Bowls Club of the Year after outstanding performances in both the men’s and women’s ranks.

It capped a memorable season of lawn bowls achievements for the Raymond Terrace club after collecting an impressive four State titles.

The men led the way by clinching both the State No 1 and State No 2 Pennant championships – becoming the first club to achieve the feat in the one season.

Just as impressive were the Raymond Terrace women bowlers who annexed both the Ladies State Triples and National Triples trophies.

There was more success in the singles category with Raymond Terrace bowls legend Lee Schraner demonstrating his class, poise and skills on the greens by capturing two major titles – the NSW State Champion of Champion Singles and the National Champion of Champion Singles deciders.

He will now represent Australia at the World Champion of Champions lawn bowls tournament in Auckland from November 25-30 in 2024.

Schraner also teamed up with Matt Baus to bring home the NSW State Pairs championship.

Raymond Terrace Bowling Club CEO Jason Stokes described the 2023 campaign as “a memorable season of achievements by our club”.

“Winning the NSW Lawn Bowls Club of the Year award was the icing on the cake after bringing home five major championship trophies across the ladies and mens categories,” reflected Jason.

“We are so proud of our lawn bowlers who work hard on developing their skills and maintaining a tremendous club spirit on and off the greens,” he added.

One of the club’s all time great bowlers Natasha Van Eldik will represent the Australian Jackaroos against New Zealand in the 2024 Trans Tasman Challenge from February 2-4 at Naenae Bowling Club in Wellington.

By Chris KARAS