John Goddard claims triple crown with Singles victory
Osborne Park’s John Goddard has become the first player to have won all three Over 60’s events in the same season after an impressive victory in the GenesisCare Men’s Over 60’s Singles following on from triumphs in the Pairs and Triples.
A big field of 172 players battled it out in very hot conditions on the opening day and subsequent knockout rounds on Monday and Tuesday with eight talented performers getting through to the finals at Cambridge Bowling Club on Wednesday.
After playing in relative breeze free conditions the sea breeze was in full force at Cambridge coming in about halfway through the opening match, making life tougher on an otherwise very nice green.
John Goddard stamped himself as the tournament favourite with an impressive 21-7 victory over teammate Gary Caffell having the day prior beaten the defending champion Bruce Eagles (Sorrento) 21-16. Bill Brandsma (Kalamunda) secured a 21-12 victory over Rob Bowron (Thornlie) 21-12 whilst Bryan Chalwell (Pinjarra) defeated Jim Ricci (Cockburn) 21-20 and Markus Merz (North Perth) defeated Michael Vitale (Stirling) 21-20 in two absolute thrillers.
The Semi-Finals were contrasting matches as Bill Brandsma completed a quick win over Merz who was very pleased with his overall efforts despite being well beaten. Brandsma nailed a close four in the early stages to lead 5-1 and eventually powered his way to a 21-7 win.
Goddard was made to work hard for his place in the final by an extremely tenacious Bryan Chalwell who was undoubtedly in career best form. Chalwell was able to apply plenty of pressure forcing Goddard to continually drive off many close bowls or kill the head. Goddard, however, had plenty of close ones himself in what was a terrific match before Goddard came out on top 21-18.
The final lived up to expectations with both players putting in many great shots with a mixture of pinpoint draws and up shots. Goddard made the best start as he quickly found the line and length to nail the jack early and raced to a 6-0 lead after four ends. Brandsma then returned fire an was working his way back at 6-4 before Goddard had another burst of scoring to open up a commanding 13-4 scoreline.
Both players bowls were regularly getting caught by the strong breeze but thy adapted extremely well with many tight ends meaning just ones and twos were scored for the rest of the match. Goddard was able to match whatever Brandsma produced with the score now 19-10. An example of how well the two were bowling was evident on the third last end when shot changed hands across nearly every bowl with Brandsma drawing the shot with his last after Goddard had converted from two down to one up.
The last end came when Goddard two down played a nice bowl to sit the closest Brandsma bowl for shot. Brandsma sensing an opportunity played to sit and stay himself but the weighted bowl was under the line and rolled in a short Goddard bowl handing him the victory 21-12.
A highlight of the day was seeing five previous champions at the final all congratulating John on his first Over 60’s Singles victory and his efforts to dominate the Over 60’s this season winning the triple crown of Singles, Pairs and Triples in 2022/23.
