Thorpdale club player Danny "Vanda" Van Zuylen had plenty of club support when he took on Traralgon's Vin McIlwain in the State Singles final on Sunday.
However, their support at the Newborough final couldn't get Vanda's play going in the early stages, with Vin leading 11/0.
There is no doubt Vin is a "master", with his first bowl coming to rest almost on the kitty very regularly. However, Vin did give the Thorpdale crowd some hope with his differing kitty rolls.
At the 18/4 mark, Vanda scored the first - and only - four of the match and quickly followed it up with a two, making the score a more healthy 18/10.
At 11.15am, the score was 24/12 and the biased watchers held their bated breath as Vinnie rolled the kitty. His first bowl was, once again, something to be beaten. Unfortunately, for the Thorpdale supporters, it wasn't and Vin was pronounced the 2024 Strzelecki North State Singles men's winner.
Congratulations to Vanda for reaching the final, a first from a Thorpdale Bowling Club member and a great achievement.
In the women's State Singles final, Neerim District bowler Karren Sheers won against Jo-Anne Michaels of Newborough.
Karren will now progress to play the Strzelecki South winner for a chance to represent Strzelecki at State Champions Week.