Rising New Zealand Development bowler Seamus Curtin and the mighty Eastbourne Eagles side have once again put bowls on the wider sporting spectrum, taking out two prestigious Hutt Valley Sports Awards in recognition of their season’s achievements.

Hosted at the Walter Nash Stadium , the lavish black tie event attracts more than 500 people to celebrate the high performing efforts of elite sportspeople, officials and administrators, reflecting a successful and proud twelve months.

Stokes Valley teenager Seamus Curtin was all smiles after being named the Hutt Valley Emerging Sportsman of
the Year, flanked by his mother and personal coach Rachel.

Curtin, the 17-year-old phenomenon who has well and truly made his presence felt in the game, featuring on national news bulletins, remaining unbeaten in the singles berth for the victorious Wellington intercentre champions, along with an outstanding nationals where he placed runner-up in the fours, third equal in the singles and a beaten quarter-finalist in the pairs - Curtin has certainly thrown his hand up as one to watch for the future.

“This award means a lot to me and it makes it even better to see lawn bowls up there with the bigger sports,” Curtin said. “A big thank you to my parents, especially my mum/ personal coach. They do so much for me and to see their face when I won the award was amazing. Thanks to Jason Puddick (president of Stokes Valley BC) who encouraged and nominated me for this award. Lastly thank you to my club who have been amazing with supporting me through all events I am apart of, (overall) it’s been a great season.”

For Eastbourne, the club have dominated the national interclub structure for the last three years, and for the second consecutive year were awarded the Hutt Valley Team of the Year accolade, duly recognising their efforts at such an elite tier.

Team spokesperson Mike Carroll was equally delighted with the result, praising the hard work and team unity as the key driving factor for their success.

“Little things like this make it all worthwhile . . . (I mean) none of us play the game for the recognition, but when it comes, it’s a nice win for the club and for the sport in general.

“People can say we bring players in from far and wide, but ultimately our business plan is set up to be the best and to win and that’s certainly something we strive to do. The likes of Justin Goodwin and Gary Lawson, they’ve been associated with our club for ten years plus, and it’s a real team culture we’ve established here at Eastbourne that I’m really proud of,” Carroll said.

But the success doesn’t stop there for either candidate.

The Eastbourne Eagles have proven their superior ability for the last three years, duly recognised by a back-to-back Hutt Valley Sports Award for Team of the Year.

In a coup for bowls, both Curtin and Eastbourne have been named as finalists for the 2018 Wellington Sports Awards, with Curtin pushing for the Emerging Sportsman of the Year and Eastbourne targeting the Team of the Year.

Standing in their way are fellow finalists; softball’s Brad Carson, Campbell Robinson (athletics), Elijah Just (football) and cricketing star Jakob Bhula in Curtin’s category, while the Wellington Lions (rugby), Wellington Saints (basketball), Wellington Scottish Athletics Club and both the Hutt Valley Men’s and Women’s Softball teams respectivel pose a formidable line-up in the team category.

Due to playing commitments in the coveted Australian Open, both Curtin and Carroll will be out of the city during the event, though will have strong representation in their absence.

“It’s really nice to see that we’ve been put up there with some of the best around, and it’s great for us all to be amongst it,” Carroll said. “Ultimately, (bowls) is a game I love and I do everything I can to promote the sport. At the end of the day, being put forward with all of these other sports, it’s a win for bowls.”

The Wellington Sports Awards winners will be announced on June 20, at a gala dinner held at the TSB Bank Arena, with other category finalists boasting high profile stars such as All Black royalty Beauden Barrett, England-bound Brad Shields and the high flying NBA kiwi Steven Adams.

AT A GLANCE
Eastbourne Eagles Premier Interclub Team
Hutt Valley Team of the Year (2018)
Singles: Jamie Hill
Pairs: Gary Lawson (s), Justin Goodwin
Fours: Philip Skoglund (s), Mike Solomon,Scott Roddick, Mike Carroll
Manager/Reserve: Jimmy Madden

Seamus Curtin (Stokes Valley Bowling Club)
Hutt Valley Emerging Sportsman of the Year (2018)