Maclean Minor Singles final was played on Sunday April 24, and it was a much-anticipated match up with two of our young up and comers doing battle in Josh Arndell & Matt Farrell.
Both have taken the game up more competitively this season after participating in the club’s community challenge barefoot bowls competitions over the last three years.
It was one of the largest crowds on the sidelines and inside of the club to spectate, with 50-80 people turning out during the match, and the boys didn’t disappoint.
Right from the first end, there was amazing draw shots and changes of leads as they both had to pull out their A games. After 12 ends it was 9 all with both trading blows at this stage. Matt picked up a 4 on 13th end after playing consistent draw bowls with Josh only missing by margins to cut the count down.
End 20 the scores were again locked at 17 all and still neither player could get away from their opponent. It was 24 all after 29 ends and at this stage it was anyone’s game as the crowd was treated to shot making worthy of a Major championship final. Matt picked up a 3 to put his nose in front of Josh but Josh rallied the next 2 ends with 1’s as the score got to 27/26 in favour of Matt.
Josh was holding shot on the next end till his last bowl went slightly narrow and tipped Matt in to be 28/26. Josh produced three outstanding bowls in the next end right on the jack as Matt went for a drive and missed narrow… 29/28 to Josh.
Josh was holding one on the next end, but Matt had the next three as he tried to come down and turn Josh out but fell short by inches… 30/28 to Josh.
The penultimate end saw Josh draw with his first right near the jack as Matts first bowl narrowly edged Josh and went through a few inches. Josh drew another and another and was sitting 3 shots. Matts last bowl came down and the crowd was on edge as he got to Josh’s closest bowl but fell the wrong way.
Josh was crowned Maclean Bowling Clubs Minor Singles champion for 2022 winning 31/28.
Both players were commended by all watching in what was a thoroughly entertaining Final, and we look forward to seeing what else is in store for these two young guns in the future.
Jayson Pinnock