Joel Field Wins Rookie Singles
Charlestown’s Joel Field has won the Rookie Singles State Finals, putting on a brilliant display of bowls on his way to solid quarter final, semi-final and final wins. Field may have saved his best performance for the final against Kayne Carmichael (Malua Bay), jumping out to a healthy lead then holding his nerve to win 17-3. Field was peppering the jack with his first two bowls, and when needed was able to produce precision weighted shots to turn over heads and place Carmichael under constant pressure. Carmichael showed a steely resolve well beyond his few years in the sport to stay in the match and try to keep pace with his opponent, but on this occasion Field was too good, powering to a 17-3 win.
Leading into the final, Carmichael was in red hot form winning all five of his matches with a combined margin of +54. To put this into perspective, only one of Carmichael’s opponents managed to reach double figures, James Telfer who lost 17-10 in the second round. Field’s run to the final was a different story, winning his section by a mere +4 margin before beating Raymond Terrace local Benjamin Rowsell 17-8 in the quarter finals and David Beaumont (Yamba) 17-13 in the semi-final.
Field was ecstatic after winning the final, having qualified last year in the Rookie Singles but failing to make it out of sectional play on that occasion. In the post-match presentation, he thanked his club, Charlestown, for their continued support and his family and friends who have encouraged him constantly over the past few years.
Carmichael was also quick to acknowledge the support of his family and friends, as well as Malua Bay. The club will be exceptionally proud of Carmichael and all of their new bowlers, with Carmichael the second Malua Bay player to feature in a Rookie Singles final, after Peter Keatley won the same event last year.
Well done to Joel and Kayne on an exceptional final, and to all our competitors in the Rookie Singles. Next up, the Rookie Pairs which begin tomorrow!
Click here to view the event results
Mick Bell Encouragement Award
Congratulations to Stuart Vaughan (Campbelltown) who was the recipient of the Mick Bell Encouragement Award. The award is presented to the player that best embodies the spirit and sportsmanship of the Rookies event, and Stuart was a deserving recipient.
John Ellison (Bowls NSW Vice President) with Stuart Vaughan (Campbelltown)
