2023-24 STATE SENIOR AND RESERVE SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS REPORT

The Bowls NSW Senior and Reserve State Championships’ Singles events came to an epic conclusion today at Club Dubbo.

Sunday’s schedule featured round three of sectional play and the Semi-finals.

State Senior Women’s Singles

In the first semi-final, Wendy Clarke of Ballina faced off against Christine Gordon of Harbord. Wendy maintained a consistent lead to win with a score of 25 – 13, securing her spot in the Final.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final encounter between Vicki Turner of Warilla and Sue Moore from Engadine was completed with Vicki winning with a score of 25 – 14.

In the final Vicki from Warilla took an early lead that she maintained for the first half of the game; Wendy from Ballina fought back to even the scores. From there it was neck and neck down to the last end.

Wendy played a beautiful final shot coming from behind to secure a 25-24 win and the title.

Speaking on the final, Wendy said,

“Our game was fantastic and was played in really good spirits, I fought back hard and I am elated with my win.”

“Vicki was a fantastic competitor and played an awesome game!”.

State Senior Men’s Singles

In the first semi-final, Warren Shipley of Soldiers Point faced off against Greg Brims of Kempsey Macleay RSL. Warren emerged victorious 25 – 16 in a high-quality match.

In the second semi-final, Robbie Warren of Towradgi Park faced off against Gary Corey from Cabramatta. Both Robbie and Gary are no strangers to success, particularly in the Seniors disciplines having won multiple state titles over the years. On this occasion, it was Robbie who won the match 25 – 16 securing his spot in the final.

In the final, Robbie picked up where he left off, jumping on the jack from the start of the match. Neither Warren nor Robbie gave each other an inch in the early exchanges, with Warren doing his best to keep pace.

The score was tied consistently throughout the first half of the match, with never more than a couple of shots in it. Warren pulled ahead in the second half and maintained that lead and finished the game strongly 25 – 16.

Warren gave an honest assessment on his performance in the final,

“I wasn’t happy with my performance for the start, but I came good in the end when I found the weight of the green.”

Warren’s comment on his win,

“It has not really sunk in yet; I did not think I would win another State Title in my bowling career.”

“Tony Shoebridge (Bateau Bay) played a great game, he beat me in the first sectional game, but I was fortunate enough to win through the rest of the section and make the final. The rest is history.”

Reserve Singles Finals

In the first Semi-final, Steven Smith of Cabramatta faced off against Jordan Morrow from Dubbo City. Steven had a strong win with a score of 25 – 12, although the score did not reflect the quality of bowls played by both players.

Meanwhile, the other semi-final encounter between Maelene Reynolds from NBC Sports and Jason Ryan from Grafton District Services was a similar affair with Maelene coming away victorious, 25 – 13.

In the final, Maelene took an early lead over Steven. Steven came back early to tie the scores at eight all. But Maelene pulled ahead again to lead again, and she maintained this for the rest of the game with an incredible level of consistency.

Maelene finished strongly with a score of 25 – 9.

On her win, Maelene said,

“I was stoked to be playing in the event to begin with but to end up winning is just amazing!”

“It has been great to play against new people and learn new styles of playing the game”.

Congratulations to Maelene Reynolds, Warren Shipley and Wendy Clarke, our newest State Champions!

State Fours Championships

Fours play has commenced with Round one of Sectional play across all three venues – Club Dubbo, Macquarie Club and North Dubbo RSL Sporties.

Tomorrow will see round two and three of sectional play completed with the semi-finalist being decided for the finals at Club Dubbo on Wednesday.

Click here to view the State Championship results on BowlsLink

Senior Men’s Singles

Warren Shipley (Soldiers Point) Winner
Robbie Warren (Towradgi Park) Runner-Up

Senior Women’s Singles