Nathan Trowell and Matthew Foster - the Poverty Bay cousins - well and truly lived up to their name of pre-tournament favourites in the 2021 New Zealand Junior Singles.
Their dominating performances across the day lead them to meet in the final, Poverty Bay vs Poverty Bay; a possibility because of the 2020 ruling that runner up juniors can also enter. Matthew took full advantage of that when he won, and what a tremendous attempt at defending the title this year.
Nathan, on the other hand, has attended the NZ Junior Singles three times now, first making the quarter final, then the semi, and now a well-deserved win in the final.
The Gisborne teens put on a great display of indoor bowls, often leaving the spectators in awe, but ultimately, it was Nathan’s turn to achieve his dream of becoming the NZ Junior Singles Champion. “I feel pretty honoured to win. There are some top bowlers on that trophy that I have always idolised and looked up to.”
He credits his parents and wider family for the incredible support over the years, as well as the people involved in the TRL program who “help immensely with nutrition and mental skills before an event.” Nathan is now in his last year of juniors.
Other players who had a terrific day were South Otago’s Molly Paterson and Southland’s Matthew Tosh who reached the semi final, and 9 year old Freddie Persico also impressed, having qualified and only just dipping out in post section by one shot.
Otago’s Ryan McCaughan had near losses in the morning, however his notably laidback demeanour saw him turn it around in the plate event where he played beautiful bowls and won.
Congratulations to a fantastic group of juniors, and especially Nathan Trowell, on a great day.