In a dramatic day’s play, Ann Shipcott and Gordon Charles (pictured) emerged as Lancefield Bowling Club’s singles champions on Sunday.
Remarkably, Charles had to wait for 29 years to emulate his first title, when he defeated Bern Shannon 25-10 in 1993.
In contrast, Shipcott only took up bowls when she moved to Lancefield nine years ago, and her game improved a notch with the chance to play as skipper for the first time this season.
In a close women’s final, Shipcott showed no nerves against Sue Holmes who had previously eliminated title favourite Bev Holmes in a high-quality semi-final.
On what proved to be the final end, Holmes held three close shots for game, only to see Shipcott produce a perfect final bowl to end up beside the jack for a 25-22 victory.
In the men’s semi-finals, Charles advanced 25-22 when former titleholder Jeff Holmes drove and unfortunately removed all his own bowls.
Defending champ Gary Choate excelled with a 22-13 semi-final victory over Peter White.
In the final, Choate led 17-12 only for Charles to fight back.
An unexpected four shots a final end gave the rejuvenated Charles a 25-21 triumph.
