2024/25 Rookie Singles State Finals
The 2024/25 Rookie State Finals continued in thrilling fashion with the singles discipline, as Austral’s Josh Ingram secured the title with an outstanding performance in the final against Albion Park’s Stuart Powell.
On Saturday, 23rd November, attention shifted to the singles competition as sectional play commenced at the undercover greens of Raymond Terrace. The excitement and nerves remained palpable, with several familiar faces returning after competing in the pairs discipline the previous two days.
Stuart Powell delivered an impressive run through the competition, winning all three of his sectional matches. In the final round of his section, he edged past Ethan Murphy from Greenlees Park 17-15 to secure his spot in the quarter-finals. Powell’s momentum carried into the knockouts, where he defeated Junee’s Mark Landrigan 17-8 in the quarter-final before dominating Bondi’s James Doust 17-5 in the semi-final.
Austral’s Josh Ingram emerged as a standout performer during sectional play, overcoming a tough opening round against Gymea’s Neil Wilson with a narrow one-shot victory. He then found his rhythm with decisive wins in his next two matches to top his section. In the quarter-finals, Ingram faced his clubmate, Jordan Mullaney, who had been in sensational form during sectional play, conceding just nine shots across three matches. Despite the challenge, Ingram started strong and secured a 17-10 victory to progress to the semi-final. There, he delivered another commanding 17-6 win over Elias Chidiac from Dapto Citizens to secure his spot in the final.
The final was a closely fought contest, with both players delivering outstanding performances, leaving everything on the green. Powell, who had reached the Rookie Pairs State semi-final just two days earlier, looked to carry his momentum as he began to open up a lead. However, Ingram responded brilliantly, producing a standout end to score four shots and take a one-shot advantage.
Powell regained control, moving ahead 12-9, but Ingram kept his composure in the face of mounting pressure. The match reached a tense climax as the score levelled at 13-all. Ingram took control, delivering crucial shots at key moments to edge ahead, clinching a 17-13 victory and the Rookie Singles State Finals title.
Mick Bell Encouragement Award
Philip Fielden from Lowlands, a quarter-finalist in the singles competition, was honoured with the Mick Bell Encouragement Award. This accolade celebrates his outstanding spirit and sportsmanship throughout the Rookie Singles event.
That concludes another incredible Rookies competition for the year. Well done to all the qualifiers and congratulations to the winners. Thank you to Raymond Terrace for once again hosting the State Finals and to their members who assisted with marking duties throughout the single discipline.
