Victoria’s Brenton Coad and City Oval’s Elizabeth Kierce win 22-23 BHBR Men’s & Women’s Champion of Champions Singles titles
Victoria’s Brenton Coad and City Oval’s Elizabeth Kierce captured the 2022-2023 BHBR Men’s & Women’s Champion of Champions Singles titles on Sunday, 19th March 2023 at Smeaton Bowling Club.
Brenton played Mt Xavier’s Chris McDonald in the men’s final and displayed excellent precise draw bowling throughout, and while Chris played some great bowls to challenge at times, Brenton was always in control.
The game was close at the eighth end where Brenton led 7-6, and later the game rested at 19-15 in Brentron’s favour before he went on to win the last 4 ends, taking the game with a 25-15 win over Chris.
“It was a tight struggle all afternoon with Chris challenging throughout the game with some great bowls,” said title winner Brenton Coad.
Elizabeth Kierce played BMS’ Michelle Tait in the Women’s Champion of Champions final and it was a thrilling match.
It was a close tussle early before weather conditions changed with a slight increase in the prevailing winds which saw Elizabeth gain the ascendancy, jumping out to a 23-14 lead and in full control.
The match changed complexion quickly with Michelle storming back to win the next five ends and taking a 24-23 to set up an exciting finish.
Elizabeth regrouped and managed to snare the last two ends with single shots and went on to win 25-24 in an outstanding battle.
“Michelle bowled very well and knowing that she finishes her games well I knew it would always end up close,” Elizabeth said.
It was an excellent final which kept the onlooking crowd on its toes.
In accepting the Women’s region title Elizabeth Kierce praised the quality of the Smeaton greens and club’s hospitality and thanked all the supporters from each of the four participating clubs who came along to watch the games and support their players.
Brenton reiterated Kierce’s comments, adding his compliments to the Smeaton Bowling Club for providing an excellent green on short notice, and also thanked BHBR’s Tom Clarke for all his efforts in organising the event.
The Quarter Finals and Semi Finals of the event were played on Saturday, 18th March at Kyneton Golf Bowling Club, but it was decided with the finalists all coming from the Ballarat playing area to shift the game to Smeaton after the Saturday afternoon games.
22-23 BHBR Champion of Champions Finals
SEMI FINALS
Men
Brenton Coad 25-20 Ben McArthur
Chris McDonald 25-24 Alan Annear
Women
Michelle Tait 25-22 Christine Plowman
Elizabeth Kierce 25-17 Beth Huntley
FINAL
Men
Brenton Coad 25-15 Chris McDonald
Women
Elizabeth Kierce 25-24 Michelle Tait
>>> View 22-23 Champion of Champions results here
Congratulation to Brenton and Elizabeth on winning the men’s and women’s Champion of Champions titles.
22-23 BHBR Champion of Champions Finalist
Chris McDonald (Mt Xavier), Brenton Coad (Victoria), Elizabeth Kierce (City Oval) & Michelle Tait (BMS).
Photos and article courtesy of Anthony McCabe.