Thunder strikes twice for Leon
By Kelsey Cottrell
People could be excused for not knowing the names Peter Leon and Chris Rosanes well in the bowls community; however keen followers of bowls in QLD would know that Leon has been a main stayer for a number of years around Brisbane and Rosanes has been in top form since relocating from NSW to join powerhouse club Pine Rivers.
Both players relished the underdog status in their semi-finals against BCiB Australian Jackaroos Barrie Lester and Aron Sherriff and were not overawed by the occasion.
The weather had turned poor and the Men’s State Singles Final so play was moved under cover at Paradise Point, a move that would not concern either player having both played countless games on a similar surface at Pine Rivers.
In the battle of youth and experience, the experienced hand of Leon was winning out in the early stages leading 17-9 and looking confident on the rink.
Leon continued to dominate and despite Rosanes best efforts to find the form he had leading into the final, Leon ran away with a comprehensive 9 shot victory, finishing the match in style with a toucher.
“I’ve changed my style in the last month, now I’m playing with some elevation in my stance, I’ve gone back to my old style and that’s had a lot to do with having success here,” analysed Leon.
“I just played the right bowls at the right time; if Chris had of played like he did this morning he would have been impossible to beat, but it’s all about what happens on the day.”
“When you’re playing the good players, they put themselves under a lot of pressure and I just snuck on through.”
“I’m still keen as ever and that’s got a lot to do with being successful, I enjoy the company on and off the green and just love the game.”
The first time Peter Leon won the Queensland State Singles was in 2006; so, despite it being 14 years in between drinks he showed today that age is no barrier, and in true class spoke highly of his young opponent as a star of the future.
It was nice to hear Leon recalling stories from when he last won in 2006 saying that the reason he entered back then was the prize money was lifted to $3500!
A big thank-you to all the volunteers across all the venues and to the Gold Coast City Council for their support. Best of luck to all our champions across the 2 weeks who will represent Queensland at the Australian Championships in 2021.
Men’s Final Score-
Chris Rosanes (Pine Rivers) def by Peter Leon (Kawana) 16-25
To view both of today’s singles finals visit the Bowls Queensland Facebook page and watch the match live streamed courtesy of the Gold Coast Tweed District Media Team.
