Boyd Secures 10th National Title with Thrilling Victory

Angela Boyd clinched her 10th national title on March 15, 2024, by winning the women’s singles at the national championships held in Christchurch. Competing under challenging windy conditions, Boyd emerged victorious against Leanne Poulson from Takapuna, finishing the match at 21-16. This triumph not only marked Boyd’s first national singles title but also completed a remarkable week in which she partnered with Kirsten Edwards to win the women’s pairs.

Historic Victory and Career Milestone

At 34 years old, Boyd now boasts an impressive collection of national titles, including one singles title, three pairs, and six fours. “I’ve lost two national singles finals in the past, so it’s nice to finally win one,” Boyd said. “To find some form in the singles has been awesome. It’s been a great week and it’s an amazing way to get to title number 10.” With this achievement, she joins the elite company of Millie Khan and Cis Winstanley, the only other New Zealand women to have won 10 or more national titles.

The final match showcased the intensity of the competition. Boyd and Poulson were tied at 7-7 after seven ends. Boyd surged ahead by winning four consecutive ends, bringing the score to 15-7. Nonetheless, Poulson displayed remarkable resilience, taking six of the next seven ends and narrowing Boyd’s lead to just one point at 17-16. In a critical moment, Boyd executed a crucial drive shot under pressure, netting three shots to regain control and ultimately closing out the match at 21-16.

“I found it quite nice out there to begin with, but I lost my way a bit as the match went on with the wind making it tricky,” Boyd reflected. “Thankfully I managed to hold on, play a couple of important bowls, and get it over the line.” Earlier in the day, Boyd faced a tough semifinal against Katelyn Inch from Oxford. After falling behind 13-8, Boyd rallied, winning six of the next seven ends to secure a 21-14 victory.

Exciting Finals in Other Categories

The day also featured a thrilling final in the men’s pairs, where brothers Ethan and Hamish Kelleher from Halswell faced off against Gary Lawson and Tony Grantham. The Kelleher brothers were determined to outperform their opponents, who were vying for a third pairs title in four years. Lawson and Grantham initially took the lead, reaching 9-4 after six ends. However, the Kellehers fought back, winning four consecutive ends to take a 10-9 lead. The match remained tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads. Ultimately, the score was tied at 14-14 going into the final end. A brilliant drive shot from Ethan helped secure a dramatic win for the brothers.

In the open disability singles, Darron Wolland from Balclutha showcased an impressive performance, defeating Jono Radka from Papanui with a decisive score of 21-2. Wolland maintained control throughout the match, demonstrating skill and precision.

In another highlight of the tournament, Rohan Ware, a bowler from Belfast, claimed the men’s singles title. He achieved this milestone by defeating Australian competitor Nathan Black with a score of 20-11 at the Burnside Bowling Club. This victory was particularly meaningful for Ware, as both his parents have previously held national titles, making his win a proud addition to the family legacy.

This year’s national championships attracted a diverse group of competitors, with a total of 864 bowlers participating across 21 clubs in Canterbury. The excitement and skill displayed throughout the event highlighted the vibrant community and competitive spirit of the sport.