BOWLS
CLASSIC SINGLES
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
SAME, same but different.
In a rematch of last year’s final, Northern Irish international Gary Kelly defeated Australian champion bowler Corey Wedlock for the EnergyAustralia Classic Singles title.
In a thrilling decider at Newborough Bowling Club, 48 professional and amateur players competed in 16 sections across the opening two days, eventually dropping to 32 for the much more ramped up play.
The knockout stages came and went and the final four was cemented.
In the semi-finals last Thursday, Kelly overcame an early start from Tony Schiavello of Bundoora to win 25 to 15.
Wedlock found it even easier than that, defeating Middle Park’s Daniel Dimery in a quick and convincing 25-3 result.
The final was set and it was no surprise to the local contingent that it would feature these two stars once again.
An afternoon start meant that the Thursday (January 9) warm weather may have played into effect how things opened up.
Kelly jumped out to a four-nil start as the temperature soared above 30 degrees. Wedlock answered with three close shots in a row that forced a heavy bowl from Kelly that didn’t come off, putting Wedlock on the board.
Some graceful shots from the Commonwealth Games athlete and once Number 2 bowler in the world brought the score back to within one. Despite Kelly not dropping in performance, points would be won with just millimetres of difference.
Desperate not to see a similar result to last year’s final, Kelly began to focus even harder, examining his options and taking further time to execute as perfectly as possible.
That is one to mention simply how exact these professional players are.
The play by them, especially in the final, captivated the crowd as even some of Kelly and Wedlock’s poorer shots would be deemed to be some of the best in regularly schedule weekend pennant.
As Kelly extended his lead to 12-6, Wedlock was visibly getting frustrated with how it was turning out, electing to deliver with pace to knock out Kelly’s well-placed rink.
Momentum slowly began to swing as Wedlock nailed a few tough shots in a row which eventually led to an eight-shot turnaround.
Pressure began to mount for Kelly as he lost his sizeable lead, but a deliberate last bowl rebounded off his own to touch the jack, saving him from digging an even deeper hole and he tied the score at 14-all.
Kelly led with two marvellous shots on the next play, getting as close as you can get, only for Wedlock to swing in with a penetrating shot that knocked out both Kelly’s bowls.
The match was now coming into the final stretch, and while it had been as enthralling as ever with many runs either way, it would still get better.
With Wedlock leading by one, Kelly had two touchers and a third close bowl that leapfrogged him back ahead 17-15.
Kelly followed with a beautifully placed bowl behind the jack and closest as Wedlock responded, hitting his own bowl closer and a final shot sneaking between two, which laid perfectly to gain points and tie it once again.
Wedlock continued with two touchers as now Kelly would answer with more pace and weight sensing another turn, and found one that took out almost all to save a deficit.
However, Wedlock pushed in front, but another three-shot swing spun the score back in Kelly’s favour.
Both understanding the magnitude of the moment, each etched touches, however, a final bowl from Kelly got closest to the moved jack and he nudged ahead 22-19.
Kelly was entering a flow state as he was getting closer to victory with two close bowls. Wedlock was caught out of tune with a narrowly missed drive but then saved himself with a similarly paced shot that knocked both his closest – a final toucher from Kelly, and saved a two-point dink.
Three bowls were set up for Kelly on the next play only as Wedlock disrupted that by taking them out and sent the jack off centre.
Wedlock then had a toucher with the jack in its new position that brought him back within two points, 23-21.
On the final stretch with the chance to be succumbed, Wedlock touched the jack on his first bowl, pushing it back far and behind other blockers.
Kelly then carried with pace, so much so that he would trail his bowl with pace himself, entering a jogging stage, as he sent the jack off into the gully securing the win, additional ranking points and the prize pool of $3500.
Kelly praised Newborough Bowling Club after getting victory in his second year at the classic singles.
“I love this club and appreciate coming here every year, and to get up on that TV amongst some amazing players and names is pretty cool and special,” he said.
“What a fantastic culture you have at the club and a great community. It’s one that’s dear to my heart because it reminds me of my grassroots and where I came from and the club that I developed my game at.”
Being that Kelly and Wedlock are close friends, Kelly also acknowledged his opponent.
“Thank you to my best mate Corey, it’s hard playing against your mates and stuff like that but it’s an honour to share the stage with them every time and I really appreciate it,” he said.
Wedlock was magnanimous in defeat, once more enjoying his time at the regional event.
“Firstly, I’d just like to thank Newborough Bowling Club for running such a great event,” he said.
“I absolutely love coming down here… it’s been an absolute pleasure to come down here once again.
“To Gazza (Kelly), well done mate. It was a great game, could have gone either way.”
Both acknowledged the efforts of six-time classic singles player and Lakes Entrance born Barrie Lester for getting them down for the second year running.
A legends night also ran during the week of competition on Tuesday (January 7) featuring Lester, Kelly and Wedlock which was well represented, and gave the chance for local bowlers and members to mingle with some of the best.
