The final of the 2019 Clarence River District Bowling Association (CRDBA) Champion of Club Champions Singles Championships was contested on Saturday at the Brooms Head Bowling Club. Although the club received an absolute drenching the previous night, the greenkeeper, Blair Littlechild, managed to produce a very good playing surface that provided for an intriguing final.
The final was always going to be special with Des Johnson of Maclean tackling his nephew and dominant CRDBA in 2019, Brad Johnson of Yamba. A large contingent of spectators gathered at the club where they not only got to witness a first-class lawn bowls display, but were also provided with a large dose of the renowned Brooms Head Bowling Club hospitality.
The game began under threatening skies and although the players had to take several short rain-enforced breaks, it was completed in great spirit and at a high standard. Brad got the start he was hoping for and jumped to a four-shot lead after only two ends. Des then found his rhythm to level two ends later. The scores were again level after eight ends at seven shots each, but it was at this point that Des began to control the match establishing a four shot buffer that was carried for most of the match. After 30 ends, Brad had closed to within two shots at 22 to 24 and held three shots with Des having the final bowl of the end. A haul at this point would have potentially been a game changer as Des well understood. Des calmly gathered himself, decided upon a challenging yet potentially rewarding shot and then asked his wand to produce some magic. The result could not have been better for Des as he turned a three-shot deficit into a three-shot advantage to extinguish what turned out to be Brad’s last tilt at the title. Des wrapped up the match on the thirty-sixth end taking the CRDBA Champion of Club Champions Singles title and family bragging rights for the year.
The quarter and semi-finals of the 2019 CRDBA Champion of Club Champions Pairs will be held at the Grafton District Services Club on Saturday July 6 games scheduled to commence at 8.45am.
Don Freeman