Kyneton Bowling Club is in celebratory mood after its greatest-ever player Chloe Stewart combined with superstar Selina Goddard to win the Australian Women’s Pairs Championship for the second year in a row on Friday.
Stewart’s extraordinary record in lawn bowls was further enhanced after winning the final with Goddard at Broadbeach Bowls Club.
They beat in-form Western Australia pair Lisa Brannan and Leanne Gale 13-12 in a gripping final.
“It’s all going well … I’m enjoying sport and work,” 30-year-old Stewart told the Express after the triumph.
To win against some of the best players in Australia over six knockout matches required a high level of concentration and skill.
The dynamic Goddard – Stewart combination only had one easy match on their way to defend their title.
Their winning scores were 18-16, 21-4, 15-13, 18-16 (quarter-final), 15-14 (semi-final) and 13-12 (final).
Chloe Stewart’s extraordinary record in bowls continues, having chalked up victories at the very top level in individual and team events over a lengthy period.
Kyneton Bowling Club is proud of Chloe’s shining example of what can be achieved at local, district, state and international level. Chloe still calls Kyneton her home town.
As a nine-year-old she was rolling bowls around the Kyneton green, drinking raspberry cordial and being introduced to the chocolate dispensing machine.
Her grandmother Val Carey was a guiding figure in getting Chloe hooked on the sport, and proud mum Jenny has also lent her support over the years.
Love of the sport, natural talent, high concentration levels, and a flawless delivery are all Chloe Stewart attributes.
The main downstairs room at KBC is named in her honour, and youngsters thinking of taking up bowls may well gain inspiration from Chloe’s photo in Australian colours on the wall.
At the age of 22, Chloe became the first Australian to win the United States Bowls singles — and pairs as well.
Going to Queensland over a decade ago and working for Tweed Heads Bowling Club was a significant move, and Stewart’s profile has been enhanced with various successes with the Tweed Ospreys.
Chloe’s contract with Tweed has been extended, and last year she decided to wind down her international career.
It’s obvious the enjoyment level is still there.
Goddard is a six times New Zealand singles champion and reached number one in the world last year, and the quality of their bowls on their way to a second Australian pairs title had to be seen to be believed.