Zone 12 made it a hat-trick of titles at the Bowls NSW State Open Interzone Championships in Wagga on Monday.
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The Sydneysiders proved too strong for Zone 16 after three days of the statewide competition at both the Rules Club and Wagga RSL.
A late rally ensured a 71-43 win over the three rinks.
It was a close affair before securing a rush of shots late, including 26-1 on one rink to take the victory.
Co-captain Roy Pearse was pleased to defend their crown yet again.
“It is hard enough to win one let alone three in a row,” Pearse said.
“The team hasn’t changed much in the last three years, but we got lucky again getting through our sectional after losing a match but we took our chances in the semi-final and final to make the most of it.”
With Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Aaron Wilson among the 12-strong team, Zone 12 came in as favourites but needed a slice of luck to make it through to the semi-finals after a loss to Zone 10.
However it was the Riverina’s Zone 8 who helped them with their win over Zone 10 enough for Zone 12 to top their section and see them through to the semi-finals.
They downed Zone 4 in Sunday’s semi-final before overcoming a slow start to make it three straight final wins in perfect conditions in Wagga.
“We didn’t get out of the blocks too good, with one rink behind, but they scored 26 shots to one in the second half of the game,” Pearse said.
“That helps.”