Irene Arndt wins Over 60’s bowler award
Bowls WA Awards Night – Norma Samuel Award Safety Bay’s Irene Arndt is the 2016/17 Over 60’s Bowler of the Year. Arndt was presented with the award at the Bowls WA Awards Night last week.
Arndt enjoyed a breakthrough year in State Events winning her first events in either Over 60’s or open level. She opened her account with Over 60’s Singles in February and followed it up in March when she and Gordon King became the second team to win the Over 60’s Mixed Pairs.
The high point of the year would have to be her last two games of the Over 60’s Singles when she defeated two of the biggest names in WA bowls. Her semi-final was a gutsy victory over four-time State Singles Champion Therese Hastings which she only won by three shots.
Her final against dual Over 60’s Singles Champion Kerry Andersen saw a superb second half performance by Arndt as she blew her opponent away. After being 11-11 Arndt would go on to win 21-13 against one of the most consistent draw players in the state.
Arndt made her presence felt in open aged competition too with a strong performance in the Champion of Champion Singles late in the season. She made it to the semi-finals of one of the state’s most difficult event events before falling to eventual runner-up Lea Mias of Melville.
When asked about the possibility of playing in the State Over 60’s team the currently uncapped Arndt indicated she would love the opportunity. “I’d love to be in that team, it hasn’t been selected yet, so hopefully.” said Arndt.
This season will likely put her in contention if she can back it up with strong performances at the beginning of next season.
Safety Bay’s return to Premier League will give her more opportunities to show that she can match it with the best in the state.
To see a video of the presentation of the Norma Samuel Award click here
To read about all the Bowls WA Awards Night winners click here
