‘NEWBIES’ MAKE THEIR MARK
EASTERN Park’s Mark McMahon has claimed his first piece of silverware after taking out the Geelong Bowls Region’s novice singles crown.
McMahon toppled fellow Eastern Park bowler Sean Logan in what was a cracking final at Inverleigh.
“It was a great event, I really enjoyed the experience” said McMahon, who started bowling in February 2020.
Novice singles is for any new bowlers to the game with less than two years’ experience.
“Eastern Park have been great, so welcoming and the members support for us newbies has given us all a genuine sense of inclusion,” he said.
McMahon certainly did it the hard way, with all his matches going down to the wire.
He won 21-18, 21-17, 21-20 and claimed victory in the final 21-19.
Leonie Smith continued her rapid rise in the sport, winning the ladies novice singles championship.
Smith walked on to a green back in 2019, and two years later the Bareena bowler has reigned supreme.
“I just started with a game of barefoot bowls, that led to some lessons and before I knew I lined up for pennant in 2021,” she said.
Smith faced her toughest challenge in the opening round against Anglesea’s under-18 region
representative Maddie Jacobs. Smith prevailed 21-16 and then went on to record 21-11 and 21-5 victories before clinching the final 21-10 against Vanda Steel from Geelong Bowls Club.
“I was pleased I was able to do so well,” Smith said.
Both novice champions will now head to the state finals where they will compete against other region winners on February 27 at the Mulgrave Country Club.