Kelly nominated for bowls award

Helensvale’s Mark Casey a finalist in the Male Bowler of the Year Award.

Vicki Wood

MY Daily News bowls correspondent and recently retired Bowls Development Officer for Tweed Heads Bowls Club, Greg Kelly, is one of two finalists in the Professional Administrator of the Year category at the 2012 Bowls Australia Awards Night.

The announcement of the winners of the various categories will be held at Melbourne's Park Hyatt Hotel on Saturday, February 18.

Mr Kelly's rival for the award is Paul Barnes of the powerful Moama club in Victoria.

He spent five years in his role at THBC where he developed a reputation as the "go-to man" in everything associated with bowls.

Mr Kelly excelled in all areas especially in promotions and tournament organisation.

But a good horse cannot last long in the paddock and Mr Kelly is now back in harness at the club as the acting Bowls Super Challenge convenor.

"This has come as a big surprise because I only learned of it when Bowls Australia sent out a press release in regards to the awards night," Mr Kelly said.

"I am extremely honoured, and win, lose or draw, I'll always treasure being nominated and accepted as one of the finalists."

Finalists in the other major awards on the night are: International Bowler of the Year (Mark Casey, Helensvale and Aron Sherriff, Ettalong); Male Bowler of the Year (Nathan Rice, Helensvale and Aron Sherriff); Female Bowler of the Year (Karen Murphy, Cabramatta and Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace).