Jack Tonkin and Ashley Lewis defeated Brian Payne and Neil Lewis 29-26, with Jack Tonkin having his first championship win at Bowral Bowling Club.

Tonkin and Lewis had progressed to the final giving shots start in each game they played, and in the final they had to give Payne and Neil Lewis nine shots start.

Payne and Neil Lewis had a good start to the match and led 15-5 after four ends.

At the half way mark Payne and Neil Lewis still held a nine shot lead 20-11.

On the 15th end and with six ends to play, Payne and Neil Lewis led 23-15 and looked set to claim the title. But on the 16th end Tonkin and Ashley Lewis made a dramatic difference on the scoresheet when they picked up seven shots.

Tonkin and Ashley Lewis then trailed by only one shot 23-22 on the next end with some great draw shots from Tonkin.

They increased the lead by picking up three shots to lead 25-23.

With one end to play, Tonkin and Ashley Lewis led 29-25.

On the last end, Payne and Neil Lewis were putting the pressure on and held four shots and the match looked like going into a extra-end to determine the winner.

Ashley Lewis with his last bowl drew second shot and this gave Jack Tonkin and Ashley Lewis the title by three shots.

For Brian Payne and Neil Lewis it was a match of mixed fortunes, they had the title in their grasp. But dropping the seven shots on the 16th end proofed the difference in the match.

Jack Tonkin and Ashley Lewis completed a very good combination through all the rounds.

However it was a classical final and all four bowlers deserve full credit for putting on a good display of bowls.

By Gordon Lewis

*photos have been sent already*