FORSTER bowler Dylan Riley lost a thrilling final of the NSW champion of club champion singles to Engadine’s David Ferguson in the final played at Kiama.
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Ferguson, the 2017 NSW singles runner up and 2017 Australian indoor singles winner, appeared to be in control over the opening ends of the final, leading 6-0 after 2 ends and then going on to lead 10-3.
Riley then found his range and dominated the next stages to take the lead 12-11.
Riley appeared to have gained the advantage when he won five consecutive ends to ease out to a 22-16 lead, but Ferguson clawed his way back to level terms at 25 shots apiece.
Riley scored a two to be within one end of victory (needing a full count) and appeared to be well on track to do so before Ferguson played a sensational running shot to take the jack to the ditch and get the game back on level terms at 27-27.
Fergsuon scored a pair of singles to lead 29-27 before Riley grabbed a double to lock the scores up yet again 29 all.
Ferguson held his nerve to convert one down to collect a double and claim the championship.
Riley qualified for the final with a gutsy 31-24 win over Gerard Beath (Cowra). Beath appeared to be gaining the upper hand after scoring a single and triple to edge to a lead of 8-3 before Riley seized control, winning 6 consecutive ends to hold a 17-8 advantage. Beath got the better in the next stage of the game, clawing back to trail 18-22. Riley then made a charge towards claiming the game, scoring six shots in three ends to gain a 10 shot lead. Beath then ensured an exciting finish with six consecutive singles closing Riley’s lead to 28-24. Riley, the 2017 Australian indoor singles semi-finalist, closed out the game with a single and double to win 31-24.