By Roland Smith
When Josh Sanders won the Lilydale Bowls Club singles Championship some two weeks ago, as reported in the Star Mail 14 March, we all realised there was a much bigger task ahead for him.
The job at hand was to take on the champions of the other 31 clubs in the Eastern Ranges Bowls Region. It would be a battle royale where the winner of the best of the best would be crowned the champion of champions.
After several rounds playing at Berwick, Josh won the semi-final by a nail-biting score of 25 shots to 24 against the Croydon champion, Mathew Creighton.
From there he had a solid 14-shot win over the reigning champion from Pakenham, Neil Devlin, in the final.
Well done Josh Sanders on becoming the men’s champion of champions for the 2022-23 season.
Also, congratulations to the young talented Olivia Slade from Heathmont Bowls Club who showed no fear in overcoming well seasoned and experienced players to win the women’s singles championship.
After a close game in the quarter-finals, Olivia had a convincing win in the semi, before moving on with an 11-shot win in the final against Lyn Cameron of Mooroolbark Bowls Club.
