Sport
30 January, 2023
Top local bowlers narrowed down ahead of final clashes
The finals for the men’s and women’s Champion of Champions have been set for two weeks time following the first round and semi-finals which were played at Avoca on Sunday morning. The men’s final is set to be a repeat of the men’s state...
The finals for the men’s and women’s Champion of Champions have been set for two weeks time following the first round and semi-finals which were played at Avoca on Sunday morning.
The men’s final is set to be a repeat of the men’s state singles final which was played last Sunday, with Talbot’s Matthew Vernon set to meet Newstead’s Bill Burnett.
On their previous meeting, Vernon defeated Burnett by just one shot, 25-24, so it promises to be another thrilling final this time around.
On Sunday, Burnett and Vernon put in two very impressive performances, with Burnett putting in two dominant performances by defeating Harold Patullo 25-9 in the first round, before defeating Gregory Dobbin 25-12 to advance to the final.
Meantime, Vernon had a slightly different route to the final, defeating Garry Coburn in a thrilling encounter 25-23 in the first round, before taking care of Gary Haigh 25-16 in the semi-final.
There will also be a rematch in the women’s champion of champions final, with Leanne Wallis and Barb Crossley to do battle again.
For Crossley, it’s her third district final in the last three weeks, having taken out the state mixed pairs title alongside Paul Radstock, while also making the women’s state singles final.
It was in that game where Wallis proved to be too strong, winning 25-15, with Crossley now looking to turn the tables when they meet in two weeks time.
Wallis had a dominant run to the final, defeating Rebecca Zeuschner 25-8 in the first round, before defeating Heather Freemantle in the semi-final 25-11.
Crossley had a dominant 25-9 victory in the first round, but found the going much tougher in the semi-final against Kathleen Raeck before eventually winning 25-24.
Both games will be played at Avoca Country Golf Bowls Club on Sunday, 12 February, starting at 10 am.
