15-yr old Harry claims 2026 Vic Open Men’s Singles Title
Celebrating Harry Coleman!
The youngest ever Victorian Open Men’s Singles Champions, and his road to victory saw him defeat some giants of our game!
In sectional play, Harry had a big win over Moama star, Matt Robertson, which secured the section then as he got deeper into the knockouts and early finals rounds, the wins got even more interesting. First it was former Vic representative, Leigh McIlvenny, then it was another young star, Oscar Jones who took a hit. The Semi-Final was the clincher, where the young star toppled last year’s Vic Open Singles Champion, Kobe Barton.
Then came the main event, where he faced another former Victorian State Representative, but more recently a QLD State Representative, Mark Armstrong. A brilliant battle of both draw bowls and millimetre perfect drives ensued, to the delight of Harry’s many Deer Park teammates and locals watching from the sidelines, in addition to the thousands of live stream viewers glued to BVTV.
So what was going through his mind when he played his last, match-winning bowl, how did he keep his composure?
“Over the past year, I have been incredibly fortunate to be involved in some great sides and surrounded by some of the game’s most experienced players. It’s really helped with my game awareness and staying calm during big moments. Although calm, it was great to have Dean (Riva) behind the rink for support. He provided the reassurance to play the shot and I backed myself”.
Now that he’s had time to let it sink in, how’s does it feel to win the Vic Open Singles, and be the youngest person to do it?
“I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet, it’s still like a dream come true. Each year my goal is to go one step better for these major events and to go all the way was and is just so unbelievable. I’ve been working extremely hard and setting goals, so it’s incredibly pleasing to get such a great result. To be the youngest person to do it makes it even more special, extremely privileged. To win at this age has only been possible due to the support of my family”.
So what’s next for Harry?
“The Victorian U18 State Championship is the next focus. Every year the field continues to grow and so does the talent. It will be a great week to see a lot of my friends and compete in the four disciplines available. It will be another great challenge, but I’ll be taking it bowl for bowl, whilst also supporting my teammates.”
What a VO2026 Singles Final, what a result, and what a remarkable achievement from an absolute rising star of our sport, and now a Victorian Open record-holder.
