State Champions Week 2016 – Day 3
It took three and a quarter hours, two greens, and eventually, one set of lights.
But finally Sandbelt’s Ann McCarthy managed to knock out Australian representative Chloe Stewart in the women’s Champion of Champions singles in an epic semi-final 25-20 at State Champions Week.
McCarthy, from Caulfield Park/Alma BC, and Stewart (Kyneton) produced a superb exhibition of bowls in an epic which forced a switch of greens mid-match as the natural light ran out and the power was called for.
At that stage, it was locked at 17-all. Stewart took initial advantage, before McCarthy found her zone with a big three to take a 21-20 lead.
As darkness fell, the quality lit up as McCarthy and Stewart traded big bowls – and the occasional drive – before McCarthy grabbed one shot, then required a measure to secure the match.
McCarthy will now play in the final on Day 4 against the winner of the morning semi-final.
Australian Indoor and Victorian Open champion Carla Krizanic (nee Odgers) plays in that semi-final on day four, after knocking out Bendigo East local Helen Clough in the round of 16, then West Coast’s Robyn Thomassen in the quarter-finals.
Deb Vallance (Ouyen BC) from Murray Mallee awaits Krizanic in the semi-final, after she scored a thrilling 25-22 win over Karren Sheers (Strzelecki) in her quarter-final.
Central Victoria’s Amy Gloury (Bacchus Marsh) and Desma Budd (Kyneton) are the State women’s pairs champions after winning their final 22-12 against Horsham City BC’s Betty Cozens and Elsie Bardell (Wimmera Region).
In the men’s pairs final on day three, Heathmont brothers Dan and Mike Irwin continued what’s becoming a theme at 2016 Champions Week with a gold medal.
Following on from the Wilson brothers’ triumph for Northern Gateway in the men’s fours final on day two, the Irwins gave Eastern Ranges their first State title at the 2016 event.
They beat Sandbelt’s St Kilda duo Richard Callanan and Glenn Cook 19-12 after the St Kilda pair had scored a nail-biting win over Nathan Wilson and Jay-Bye Norris (Northern Gateway) in a superb semi-final.
The Irwins also took care of quality opposition in their semi-final, seeing off Central Goulburn Murray pairing Mitch Sidebottom and John Hallam.
The men’s Champion of Champions semi-finals will be played on day four, with Eric Bell (Wimmera) playing Russell Green Junior (Eastern Ranges), and Robert Doody (Metro West) up against Paul Twyerould (Peninsula Casey).
Results, Men’s Champion of Champion Singles
Results, Women’s Champion of Champion Singles
Results, Men’s Pairs
Results, Women’s Pairs
Day 2 Story
Day 1 Story
