By Tara Murray
Age wasn’t a factor when Ethan Higgins lined up for the Ballarat Goldfields Central Highlands region bowls singles finals.
The 18-year-old Gisborne bowler, who was representing the Central Highlands Bowls Division, won the grand final 25-19 against Greg Shay to qualify for the last 16 of the champion of championships in April.
Higgins, who was the youngest competitor at the finals, said it was exciting to make the final 16 of the competition – the overall winner will be crowned the state champion of champions.
“I thought I could win the Central Highlands title, but to win the region final is a bonus,” he said.
“There was some good bowlers in the finals.
“Once you get in there, any one can win on their day.”
If he takes out the overall championship, Higgins would be the first CHBD bowler to win it since 1983.
Higgins is one of the next generation of bowlers at Gisborne.
In the CHBD final, he beat then 19-year-old teammate Sam Rogers.
Higgins said the final between the two was of a high standard and it was good for the region moving forward.
Having spent time at other clubs, including Sunbury, in recent years, Higgins said it was nice to be back playing at his home club.
“It makes things a lot easier to not have to travel so far,” he said.
“Everyone has welcomed me back with open arms.”
Higgins, a former under-18 state title winner and under-18 Victorian team member, has taken his bowls to the next level recently.
He said having made the move from under-age events, to playing more open-age events had made a difference.
“I’m really enjoying the open age a bit more,” he said.
“It’s different challenges. There’s a lot more high quality players to help push yourself and get better.
“I’m playing so much better than I was last year.”
Next up for Higgins is the state champion of champions finals. He will also compete in the indoor national championships in May, where he is hoping to go better than the round of 32 which he achieved last season.
He also has his sights set on making another state team.
“I want to make the under-25 state team,” he said. “I’m hoping to make that in the next year or so.
“It will be hard work to break into it. I’ve played a lot of them in the past and there are some good players.”
