Canterbury bowlers Katelyn Inch and Andrew Kelly were both crowned national champions in what was a busy day for both at the Summerset national singles and pairs at Papanui Club today.
Inch not only won her maiden national title, but made it two from two in front of friends and family by winning the pairs title in the morning and singles in the afternoon.
The 24-year-old – who grew up in Oxford and is now based in Broadbeach, Australia – had less than 10 minutes to take in the accomplishment of winning the pairs title with Auckland’s Selina Goddard before the beginning of the singles final which saw her defeat world No 1 Jo Edwards 21-15.
“I’m so overwhelmed, I can’t believe it,” said Inch.
“It’s pretty special. It was my first national title this morning and being able to get two, I didn’t expect that at all.”
The 24-year-old said she wouldn’t want her maiden singles title to have come any other way than by eclipsing the two-time world championship gold medallist.
Inch seized the early initiative in the race to 21 and lead 8-4 early. However, Edwards fought back to take the lead 12-8. The crucial moment in the match came with Inch leading 16-15 and holding three shots before Edwards’ final bowl. Edwards elected to drive, but missed everything to put Inch one away from victory, which she achieved on the next end.
“I couldn’t picture it any other way. Jo is my idol and I’ve always looked up to her . . . to come away with the win against her is extra special,” she said.
It was an even busier day for fellow Canterbury bowler Kelly who claimed his maiden men’s singles title 21-7 against Scotland’s Ryan Burnett. Earlier in the day Kelly and fellow Canterbury bowler Richard Hocking were beaten 8-17 by Wellington duo Raymond Martin and Robert Bennett. Following the loss he then won his singles semi-final against Dean Elgar 21-5.
“It’s been a hell of a week for me, so to cap it off with a win in the singles I’m chuffed,” said Kelly.
“I think adrenaline goes a long way to getting you through these things. I’d much rather be tired and still playing than not playing.”
In the morning Inch and Goddard defeated Burnside’s Tayla Bruce and Wellington’s Clare Hendra 19-13.
A pivotal moment came on the 10th end with Inch and Goddard trailing 9-10. Inch (skip) produced a well-executed drive to ditch the jack when Bruce and Hendra held two shots. Inch and Goddard went onto win the end by two to reclaim the lead and wouldn’t relinquish it.
