2023 Greenline Invitational Singles Finals
Bowls ACT wish to thank Canberra Bowling Club for hosting a fantastic event!
After a fantastic first day the 2023 Greenline Invitational Singles came down to an elite final four section winners; Garry Charker (Canberra), Jess Hogan (Weston Creek), Harvey McAlister (Queanbeyan) & Doug Farr (Weston Creek).
Semi Final – Doug Farr v Harvey McAlister
With both players undefeated through the sectional rounds a winner was hard to predict with young gun McAlister showing the composure and class to succeed in this company getting away to an early lead. Farr was able to peg back the game and keep McAlister in his sights but never took the ascendancy until the very end. With McAlister leading 21/14 Doug Farr pulled out his full range of shots and stormed home to win 25/21 in a thrilling contest.
Semi Final – Garry Charker v Jess Hogan
Garry Charker had a clear run in his section, claiming all three games by a margin of +45 and would be feeling confident on his home green. Jess Hogan, at only 25, sprung the upset of the event, claiming victory over Matt Sargeant in the last sectional game to progress to the live streamed semi-final and needing to maintain the same high standards to defeat the 2022 runner-up Charker.
With both players playing brilliantly the match came down to a few moments of fortune with Charker perhaps getting the best of the luck and being able to capitalise on a few minor errors from Jess Hogan gave him the break needed to take the win 25/15 in a game both players can be immensely proud of their efforts.
Third Place Playoff – Harvey McAlister v Jess Hogan
The two young guns could easily have been in the final of the event, but while it was not to be today, Jess & Harvey gave a great account of themselves and will only benefit from the experience. The duo played out a thrilling third place playoff with scores level all the way up until some brilliance from Harvey saw him kick away to claim the win.
Final – Garry Charker v Doug Farr
The final was a battle from the outset with Charker out of the blocks quickly, claiming the first two ends and holding four shots on the third end before Farr was able to edge the jack out of bounds for a dead-end. This seemed to settle down the Weston Creek representative who chipped away as players traded ends with Farr sneaking ahead for the first time 11/10 after twelve ends. With the momentum swing Canberra’s Charker was displaying signs of frustration for the first time in the event and saw Farr move out to a three shot advantage at 15/12. From this point Charker was able to recompose himself and reeled off seven of the next eight ends, showing the class for which he is renowned to move ahead 22/16. While Farr did his best to mount a late fightback it was not to be in 2023 with Garry Charker holding his nerve to claim the 2023 Invitational Singles title 25/20.
Bowls ACT wish to give particular thanks to Canberra Bowling Club for hosting, all the members who volunteered to assist with marking and commentary, major event partner Greenline and to Ben Krikstolaitis and Bowls NSW for the provision of streaming equipment. We look forward to seeing this event continue to grow as one of the regions premier events!
