Toose defeated Erin O’Beirne in the semi-finals before clinching the victory from Sue Lafranchi in Sunday’s final at Daylesford.

Onlookers were treated to one of the best grand finals in novice history, with Toose forced to pull out a brilliant bowl – her last for the day – to beat Toose on the final end when scores were level.

Meanwhile, Romsey’s Matt Brundell woon the men’s novice title ahead of Kevin Gilmore from Avenue.

The semi-finals saw Brundell brush past BMS’ Brian Hickman, while Gilmore ousted Sebastopol’s Bryan Cassells.

An action-packed final saw both players step it up to a level.

Like Toose, Brundell claimed victory with his last bowl.

The pair will now compete at the state championship, held at Mulgrave Country Club on Sunday, January 4.

MEANWHILE, competition is heating up in midweek pennant after completion of the first half of the season.

Only fourth spot looks up for grabs in weekend’s division two round.

Ladder leader Midlands should be a lock for finals with an 8-2 record, as should Victoria, which is only two points behind in second. 

The draw for Sunday’s knockout stage of the BDBD pairs at Sebastopol, 9.30am roll-up is:

Paul Lovell v Rod Brehaut, Brian Wilcock v Mick Sloper, Noel Verlinden v Scott Roberts.

Required at 1pm: Wayne Saunders.

Manager: I Hedger.

Draws for the BDBD singles at Ballarat on Sunday, December 21 with a 9.45 roll-up are:

B Mahoney v A Emonson, M Urumese v R Dickenson, W Rowe v D Fletcher, S Haynes v S Plater, W Roberts v B Fothergill, I Warner v B Wilcock, G Archer v R Crawley, S Meale v T Dickson-Arthur, G Brown v T O’Farrell.

Required at 12.30pm: N Morriss, J Holloway, S Hedger, G Lucas, F Reus, S Neish and J Hofstra Manager T Clarke.

First named players to supply marker.

A reminder to all clubs that entries for the men’s champion of champions singles close on December 15, while entries for the women’s state triples and fours close on December 17.