Win ‘special’ after semis slip last year

Albany lawn bowls gun Matt Mitchell has returned home from a successful bowling tournament, where he won the 2019-2020 Dyenamic WA Men’s State Pairs title in Sorrento last weekend.

Mitchell, pictured, competed at the tournament in Emu Point Bowling Club colours.

The 27-year-old, who has been bowling since he was 10, took out the tournament with Cody Packer, from Osborne Park.

Mitchell and Packer defeated Doubleview pair Ryan Moyle and Tom Whitfield in the final as they led 10-9 at the halfway mark.

The two teams traded twos with the Doubleview pair, who led at stages before the eventual winners hit back. It was the 12th end that turned out to be the championship winner as Mitchell and Packer prevailed 26-12 to secure the title.

Mitchell bowed out in the semifinal last year and was desperate to go one better this year.

“It’s pretty special to win such a prestigious event; on the trophy, it dates back to 1900, so to have my name engraved on it means a lot,” Mitchell said.

“I was very keen to get my hands on the trophy after losing the semifinal last year.

“So to go one better and go to the top is really pleasing.”

Individually, Mitchell has his sights set on the State titles on Australia Day long weekend, then he and Packer will head off to the national titles thanks to their State win.

Mitchell said he had enjoyed bowling for a long time.

“I enjoy the camaraderie playing lawn bowls; in Perth, there is a lot of people my age (playing),” he said.

“You can make new friendships easy and have a beer.

Mitchell will contest this weekend’s Inter League Round Robin bowling event hosted by Lower Great Southern Bowling League.

The event begins tomorrow and runs for three days, as leagues from around WA face off against each other at Emu Point Bowling Club.