Josh Stepnell is the Ballarat District Bowls Division Gold Diggers Junior Singles Champion.
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Stepnell from Waubra defeated Oscar Jones, of Ballarat Memorial Sports, to secure the under-18 title and Bill Holmes perpetual trophy at Webbcona on Friday - just beating the COVID-19 lockdown deadline.
Each is a member of the Ballarat Gold Diggers squad.
Stepnell was first to settle, getting away to a 6-1 lead after six ends.
Jones soon found his rhythm though and drew two shots to close the gap.
Jones followed up by drawing three "unbeatable bowls" end to be within two shots.
This "cat and mouse" bowling continued until the 11th end, when the scores were level at 11-all.
On the 17th end, Jones played a weighted bowl trying to remove the only bowl of Stepnell preventing him from scoring a multiple, but unfortunately took out his own - giving Stpenell a 15-11 lead.
This continued with Stepnell showing his calm demeanor even when he was down, to edge away to a 24-15 advantage.
With the title only one shot away for Stepnell, Jones drew two within 15cm of the Jack, but with one bowl left Stepnell played a perfect weighted shot to secure the title.
THE Victorian statewide COVID-19 lockdown means Tuesday's BDBD midweek pennant has been called off.
Each team has been allocated eight points.
This leaves three rounds to play in the 14-game home and away season before moving into finals.
The last round is scehduled for Tuesday, March 9.
