The 2019 Consistency Singles has been decided. In early rounds Noel Downie defeated Lawrie Riley and Bruce Lidbury defeated Paul Douglas. In the quarter finals Peter Macdonald had to fight hard to get the better of Bruce Lidbury. Noel Downie had a good win over Stan Peck and Michael Challice defeated Mick Atkinson. Lou Kozlik received a forfeit.
In this format of the game points are awarded for the four closest bowls to the jack each end. The jack remains in the same position throughout the end. Ten points are allocated to each end with the winner the first to 150. In one semi final Noel Downie proved too classy for Lou Kozlik winning 156 to 74.
The other semi-final between Michael Challice and Peter Macdonald was a much tighter affair. Challice started well but found Macdonald hard to shake off. By the 10th end Macdonald had grabbed a slender lead and the scores were close for the next few ends. Challice then made the crucial move in the match. He dominated the next 6 ends to establish a good lead. In the end he won 152 to 118 being rewarded for playing excellent draw bowls.
The final provided to be a very tight affair between Noel Downie and Michael Challice. Despite the gulf in experience between the players there was very little in the match. After 11 ends the scores were locked at 55 all. The players traded the lead several times over the next 11 ends with Challice holding a narrow 107 to 103 lead after 22 ends. At this stage Downie seemed to gain the upper hand but Challice fought back to be just two points behind at 124 to 126 after 26 ends. Downie was then able to close out the match 150 – 130 by dominating the last three ends.
Above: Consistency Singles Champion - Noel Downie
The victory ended a great Championship year for Downie that has seen him win the Major Singles, the Triples and the Fours as well as this event. He was the runner up in the Major Pairs! Challice’s effort in this match, his first ever Championship Final, indicates that he will be a real force in the future. Well done to both players.
Above: Consistency Singles Runner Up - Michael Challice
