Park Beach bowler Cory Daley has battled through a long and tough day to claim a piece of Mid North Coast history, being the first bowler to ever win three consecutive MNC District Open Singles titles. Playing at his home club on Saturday Cory battled through a quarter and semi final before besting Sawtell's P.T Clarke in the final.
The day started with three of the quarter finals to be completed, with the winners to join Rod Hiscock in the final four. P.T Clarke was the first to advance, continuing on from where he had left off against Steve Plumb to record a convincing victory. Daley also held his earlier obtained advantage in the washed out match to advance again Martin Wilson. Finally Brett Sinnott and Dan Gilmore played out an enthralling clash. Sinnott started the day with an eight shot buffer, however Gilmore came out of the blocks quickly and made up the ground he had earlier conceded. With the match in the balance, Gilmore played an unfortunate bowl which turned in a second shot for Sinnott, allowing him to steal a one shot victory. Gilmore may count himself unlucky, however he should take pride in his effort to fightback against a quality opponent such as Brett.
The semi finals saw Clarke pitted against Hiscock, and Daley playing Sinnott. A semi finalist in 2011, Hiscock was again denied a place in the final by a Sawtell opponent, with Clarke proving too consistent, outpointing Rod to move into his first singles final in the MNC district.
Daley had jumped to a commanding 29-14 lead against Sinnott before Brett mounted a late charge, reaching 22 shots before Daley closed out the match.
The final was always going to be a tough encounter, with both bowlers having plenty to play for. For Clarke, this match signalled what could be his last competitive game of bowls before retiring from the game indefinitely. Clarke has won district singles in two other districts prior to moving to the Mid North Coast and was looking to add to his collection. Daley was aiming for his fourth title in five years, and the honour of becoming the first bowler according to the record books to win three titles in a row.
Clarke appeared to be playing the better bowls in the early exchanges however Daley was able to neutralise this with his last bowl saving the day on a number of occasions. As the match wore on, the tide turned in Daley's favour and he continued on to secure the title.
Daley will now clash with Scott Franklin from the Kempsey Heights club for the zone championship at North Haven on Sunday the 24th of June
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