Sunbury’s Mikayla Long has come from behind to claim the women’s singles title at the Victorian Open last week.
Long trailed for much of Friday’s final against Seymour’s Alison Hall in Shepparton before making her move late to win 21-17.
The more experienced Hall took a big lead early on and was out in front 13-4 after 14 ends and led until the 22nd end, when Long hit the front.
Long pulled away to claim the victory, crying in happiness with the win.
Her family and a couple of Sunbury teammates were the first to congratulate her.
Speaking on Sunday, Long said she couldn’t believe that she had taken out the title.
She said it was a different feeling to winning the junior title in 2015.
“It was pretty exciting,” she said. “Last year, I made it down to the last eight and this year I wanted to go one step better and make the final four. I couldn’t believe I made the final.”
Long said it was some advice from her father and fellow Sunbury bowler, Wayne Long, that kept her going during the match when she was struggling.
“Dad always says, ‘Never give up’,” she said. “I probably thought the game was nearly over, but I kept saying, ‘Never give up’.”
The Open victory caps off a big couple of weeks for Long, who was recently named in the Victorian open women’s squad for the first time, having previously been part of the girls’ team.
She said that while she was keen to get on the team, she didn’t think she would make it at such a young age.
Her next aim will be to perform well representing her state and keep her spot on the team, while hopefully also claiming the Sunbury’s women’s title. In that she’ll have stiff competition, which will include double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Carla Krizanic.
There was no time to rest for Long – she was part of Sunbury’s pennant side in Bowls Victorian pennant, division 1, section 1 action on Saturday.
Amid plenty of celebrations for Long’s Victorian Open achievement, Sunbury defeated Glenroy, 75 (16)-68 (2). Krizanic’s rink won 24-8, Mark Cowan’s rink won 22-16 and Todd Trewarne’s rink, with Long on board, won 17-15. Lee Wesley’s rink lost 29-12.
Paul Cullis was the standout bowler for Sunbury in the win.
The win keeps Sunbury sitting in second spot, 31 points behind runaway leader Moonee Valley.
Sunbury enjoyed a satisfying Saturday, with five of its six teams having wins.
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