FOR the first time in four years the EnergyAustralia Classic Singles lawn bowls champion will return to defend his title at Yallourn Bowling Club.
Moe roller Charlie Ward rode his luck to take out the coveted title in 2013, just 12 months on from two bilateral knee replacements, but reckons it will be a much tougher task to go back-to-back.
“It’s going to be harder than last year because I was under the radar… everyone will be out to beat me this year,” Ward said.
“I think I probably need a little bit of luck to defend it, I’m hopeful I can give a good performance.”
Playing for Frankston RSL in last year’s Classic, Ward edged past several opponents by single shot margins before pulling out the draw of the tournament to steal the final from Newcastle’s Brendon Baker.
Now bowling at Moe, the 70 year-old is in the shape of his life, having shed about 65 kilograms in recent years, and is fighting fit for another shot at the crown.
“That (the weight loss) has made a big difference along with the knees,” Ward said.
“I’ve been doing a fair bit of walking and swimming again, and the knees are quite good so it’s just a matter of if I can start off on the right foot.
“Last year I was just trying to give a good account of myself, I wasn’t expecting to win it so it would be pretty amazing if I was able to do it (again).”
A never-say-die attitude, which epitomises Ward’s play, came to the rescue in last year’s final, when he recovered from losing eight consecutive shots to win 25 to 22.
Ward will again draw on that steely resolve come the first flight of pool matches on Monday, citing his optimistic approach to the game as one of his strengths.
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up,” he said.
“I dreamt of winning it (last year) but I never really thought it would happen, but I didn’t give up… that’s basically the way I play bowls anyway.”
With last year’s runner up Baker again in the field, the stage could be set for an epic rematch if the planets align.
However, Ward is not looking beyond game number one as “anyone can beat anyone” in singles on their best day.
“If I play my best I give myself a chance to beat anyone, but if you’re a little bit down on form anyone can beat you because there’s not much in it,” he said.
The champion will kick off his campaign on Monday and is aiming to become the first player to win consecutive classics since Barrie Lester in 2009 and 2010.
Yallourn Classic past winners
1998 | Neville Brown | Drouin, VIC
1999 | Ray Jansen | Kew Heights, VIC
2000 | Brian Baldwin | Musgrave Hill, QLD
2001 | Don Peoples | Birrong, NSW
2002 | Brian Baldwin | Musgrave Hill, QLD
2003 | Brian Baldwin | Musgrave Hill, QLD
2004 | Ian Caines | Moe, VIC
2005 | Rex Johnston | St Johns Park, NSW
2006 | Brett Wilkie | Helensvale, QLD
2007 | Barrie Lester | Melbourne, VIC
2008 | Shane Globits | Helensvale, QLD
2009 | Barrie Lester | Moonee Ponds, VIC
2010 | Barrie Lester | Moonee Ponds, VIC
2011 | Steve Glasson | St Johns Park, NSW
2012 | Barrie Lester | Moonee Ponds, VIC
2013 | Charlie Ward | Frankston RSL, VIC
