Bowler Brett Mahoney fell just short of the men’s state singles championship title as runner-up to Australian representative Barrie Lester in the final 25/17 on Sunday.
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The Webbcona bowls club president had to first win both the Ballarat Association Singles and region finals to make it to the top 16 in the state.
He then had a successful run to the men’s state singles finals, defeating Peter Furnell from Murray Downs 25/10, last year’s state winner Phillip Thorn from City of Echuca 25/12, and last year’s runner-up Matthew Higgins from Sale 25/15.
“I knew I had to bring my A-game, give it a good shot and try to play consistent bowls,” Mahoney said.
“Basically it was leading with my first bowl in most of those games with the pressure I put on my opponent that set me up.”
Mahoney has previously won both the under-25 state singles and state pairs titles, but this is the closest he has been to the singles title.
“I thought it was a mighty effort to get there and I just knew regardless of the result there is no shame in being runner-up,” he said.
He said his tactic for dealing with nerves was to remind himself the game was no different to a practice session back at the club.
“You’ve just got to zone out,” he said. “Don’t put added pressure on yourself – as long as you give it your best you can’t really complain.”
Mahoney already has his sights set on going that one step further next year.
He also hopes to make another state trial.