New member Stephen Pickles has certainly made an impact at Woodend Bowling Club this season, taking out the singles championship.
He defeated reigning champ Norm Bickerdyke who was attempting to win his fifth successive title.
The final on the club’s grass green was played in sunny conditions last week.
The earlier semi-finals had resulted in 25-17 margins, with Pickles defeating Jarrod Behan and Bickerdyke accounting for Mike Dornau.
In the final Bickerdyke won the first three ends and Pickles fought back.
At end 16 it was anyone’s match with a 12-12 scoreline.
Pickles took control to lead 23-14 by the 24th end, and went on to clinch the championship 25-16.
Woodend president Mike Dornau was marker-umpire, and he said both players were on the jack every end.
“Stephen proved more consistent, and Norm had a bit of bad luck,” he said.
“It was great to see the depth building at the club in both the men’s and ladies’ competitions,” the president said.
Pickles and new Woodend ladies’ champ Anne Dornau will now represent the club in the Champ of Champ rounds.
