Joel Hilliard has regained his title as the Tuross Head Men’s Bowls Club Champion after a hard fought win in the final of the Major Singles Championship against the defending Champion, Peter Macdonald.
After several delays the final was played last Saturday in ideal conditions. The green was playing very well – the need to prepare the green for the 3 days of the May Carnival had it in top condition. Both players also benefitted from playing 3 full days in the Carnival enabling them to hone their skills after a period of time when it was difficult to get much practice.
The early ends of the game were very close with both players sharing the spoils. They had both won 5 ends after 10 ends had been played with Hilliard holding a slight advantage of 9 – 7. Hilliard then made the first move of the game when he was able to win 5 ends in a row, including a crucial haul of 4 shots on the 13th end. He moved to a commanding lead of 20 – 7.
It was then Macdonald’s turn to control the game. The tightness of the play was such that it didn’t take much to swing the momentum. Macdonald won 5 consecutive ends to narrow the margin to 20 – 16 after 20 ends. It was now anyone’s game!
However, both players were very conscious of how close the finish line was. With the new rule of the winner being the first player to 25 shots – it was first to 31 shots – they could not afford a slip up. Hilliard was able to play a match winning shot on the 21st end to pick up 3 shots to move him in sight of victory at 23 – 16. He was able to wrap up the match on the next end!
It was an excellent final played between the two best singles players in the club as they have demonstrated over the last three seasons. Congratulations to Joel who adds another title to his growing list of achievements. Peter acquitted himself very well and , while disappointed, he should be proud of his achievements!
Joel Hilliard 2022 Major Singles Champion
