Geelong bowler Nathan Bush has beaten a Commonwealth Games medallist to become Victoria’s ‘Champion of Champions’.
Bush, from Eastern Park Lawn Bowls Club, overcame defending champ Barrie Lester in the Champion of Champions men’s singles title at Bendigo.
The Highton father-of-three celebrated at home on Monday after beating the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist 25 to 13 in the final.
“I’m feeling great,” the 34-year-old Nelson Park School teacher told the Indy.
“I feel incredibly grateful, to be honest. To represent Geelong and take the win is incredible.”
Bush admitted he struggled on the back green the first round of the comp last week, narrowly scraping past Darren Mays (Heathmont) in round one 25-22.
But he soon found form beating Peter Hession (Alphington) in round two 19-25 and Brett Mahoney (Deer Park) in round three 25-7 to advance to Monday’s final.
Bush took control early against Lester, who he described as one of his best mates.
“I put it a bit of pressure on him with my first two bowls which I think is really important,” he said.
“As the game went on I just got really comfortable and confident.”
The victory sees Bush receive an entry into the 2019 Australian Champion of Champions from 9 to 11 October at South Perth Bowls Club in WA.
The win was Bush’s first Champion of Champions victory after previously winning the men’s state singles title in 2012.
Hosted by Bendigo East Bowling Club, Bowls Victoria’s annual Champions Week sees bowlers from all levels roll up and showcase the sport to regional Victoria.
All recent region winners compete across singles, pairs, mixed pairs, triples and fours events, plus the pinnacle event – State Champion of Champions.
Champions Week runs from April 24-30 at Bendigo East Bowling Club.
