By Tara Murray
Sunbury Bowling Club’s Jay Bye-Norris has added the Victorian Open men’s singles to his 2019 state title.
Having claimed the state title back in April, Bye-Norris was keen to add another title to his name and further press for national honours.
He battled through the heat in Shepparton last week to come out on top in the final against Zac Woning, winning 21-8.
Bye-Norris said despite the scoreline it was a really good game.
“I have won a couple of state titles and I’ve won an Australian title [in the triples],” he said.
“It’s good to get the state title in April and now this one in November.
“The final game certainly didn’t reflect the scoreline. A centimetre or two and the other person scores.
“I was getting the scores this time. I just wanted to keep my winning form going.”
It was a big week for Bye-Norris, who competed in several different events. He played 28 matches across the tournament, including five in one day in hot weather.
“Playing so many games, it’s a bit of a battle,” he said.
“You have to stay mentally strong and that’s where the game gets won.”
Having made the last four of the triples and last eight of the mixed pairs, Bye-Norris was awarded the overall Vic Open Medal for the best performing player across the event.
The Melton resident said it was a complete shock.
“Going into the singles final, I didn’t think I had a chance to win the overall medal.
“They told me I had won it, I was surprised. I lost a couple in the earlier rounds, so I didn’t think I had a chance.”
There was no rest for Bye-Norris as he returned to Melbourne and played with Sunbury in the Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1, section 1 match with Aberfeldie CBC.
It was a good day for Bye-Norris and Sunbury as they won 92 (18)-64 (0).
Bye-Norris’ rink won 29-20.
Bye-Norris said he was pretty exhausted heading back to Sunbury and did what he had to, to get the win.
It’s Bye-Norris’ first season at Sunbury after joining the club from Essendon a couple of rounds into the season.
“It’s a little bit closer to home. They’re really good people and there’s good greens.”
The next aim for Bye-Norris is to make an Australian squad. He is currently part of the Victorian team.
