Umina recruits bowls star
Umina Beach Bowling Club has recruited the professional services of young state star Tony Laguzza.
The club is now aiming to win the Year 2001 State Grade One pennant and possibly one in a lower grade as well.
With the added strength and ability of Tony alongside talented bowlers already at the club, members believe the objective is not out of reach.
Tony started his bowling career in 1989 at Cabramatta with the influence of his father Sam, who was also a Cabramatta member.
Sam had been playing for NSW since 1984 and is currently in the Australian squad.
Tony said he took up bowls because he was sick of getting smashed on a football field for years with no rewards.
Since taking up the game of bowls, he has had no regrets, claiming first class victories in major events throughout NSW and across Australia.
His first victory came within seven months, winning the minor singles in 1990.
Tony was then paired with Alan Hall in 1991 to win the state pairs.
He moved to St Johns Park in 1994 to start a new career in the club industry where he took the position as gaming manager at the club.
In 1994, Tony yet again won the State Pairs with clubmate Kevin Walsh.
In 1995, Tony got his first call-up to represent NSW and won the Australian Sides Championship going through undefeated, a first for a NSW side.
Tonys highlight happened in 1996, winning the highly prestigious "Kingscliff Invitation Pairs" with his father Sam, and he then went on to win the 1996 State Champion of champions Pairs with Kevin Walsh.
In 1997, Tony was selected again for NSW in Five Side State Event at Moama.
Tony said he was sad to leave a happy and professional club as St Johns Park, but he wanted a change to further his career in club work.
Umina gave him this opportunity.
Tony said he was very happy to be working at Umina Beach Bowling Club, and was looking forward to representing the club in next years pennant season and zone championships.
October 19