Bowls England award caps a dream year for Sian

The award capped a memorable season for the 26-year-old, who led her England colleagues Sophie Tolchard (Devon) and Ellen Falkner (Cambridgeshire) to Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow.

She then teamed up with Homefield Park colleagues Helen Jones and Lorraine Kuhler to claim the National Triples Championship at Royal Leamington Spa and completed a successful season by helping Sussex to win the Amy Rose Bowl.

Honnor claimed the prestigious award ahead of two former recipients – Falkner and fellow Commonwealth Games team-mate Natalie Melmore, who secured two silver medals in Glasgow, while also regaining the National Singles Championship.

Tolchard was named Bowls International young woman bowler of the year in recognition of her fine performances in Glasgow on her debut at World level.

The recipients of both awards were selected by a 15-strong independent panel and received their awards from Mel Beck, former editor of Bowls International.

Honnor said: “I knew I was on the shortlist but didn’t think I would win.

“Mel did a speech and it was a bit overwhelming with everyone coming up to congratulate me.

“It was all quite lovely and was a really nice way to end an incredible year.

“The year has just been perfect, it couldn’t have gone any better – it’s just the stuff you dream of.”

The evening also saw the success of the Commonwealth Games squad, which saw each woman member of the team return with at least one medal, recognised with a special gift to each player.