TUNCURRY Beach bowler Dave Richardson has been crowned the 2019 Zone 11 champion of champions singles.
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Richardson's biggest test turned out to be in the very first round, when he survived a real nail biter against Phil Capes from Taree West, which he won by the narrowest of margins 31-30, and with the most miraculously fortunate bowl you would ever see. Richardson was down 26-30, and had put the jack in the ditch. Capes then drew the shot to hold game.
Richardson's attempt to drive him out was narrow, but hit a bowl five metres short straight up to the shot, and removed it to hold four.
Capes then failed to come in bounds, and the scores were tied 30-30. Richardson then won the last end to escape with the win. PHEW! Richardson then played Laurie Keene (Palms) in a game where he was always in front, but Keene was doggedly holding on. Eventually Richardson came away to win 31-23.
In the other half of the draw, relatively inexperienced bowler, Scott Morrison (Lansdowne), was surprising everyone with his ability, and reached the final with a 31-29 win over Mike Cummings from Black Head.
Richardson's wealth of experience really came to the fore in the final, where he powered away to an 11-0 lead before Morrison was able to trouble the scorer.
Richardson just kept the pressure on the inexperienced Morrison, who would still qualify as a rookie, and he could not find an answer.
If he did find himself down, Richardson either drove Morrison's bowls out or killed the end. Richardson ran out a comfortable 31-6 winner. We hope Morrison isn't too disappointed by this loss, as reaching a final at this stage of his career is something he can be very proud of.
We wish Dave the best of luck in the State finals in October.