Stratford-Avon’s Lindsay Franklin is the 2022 TCB-sponsored Taranaki First Year singles champion.
Franklin won the title this afternoon at Paritutu, beating West End’s Mark McDonald 21-17 in the final. The well-known Franklin, a former barber and also a competitive 8-ball pool player, he had to endure a few anxious moments against McDonald, who has previously established himself as a most competent competitor at indoor bowls.
The final was locked at 7-all, before a three, a single and a further three to Franklin gave him a handy 14-7 lead. McDonald closed to 15-13 behind, and then leveled at 17-all. However, Franklin, the son of country music legends Rex and Noelene, then claimed an invaluable three and a single to clinch the title.
Sharing third-equal were Paul Eaton and Terry Hancock, both of West End.
It was the fifth year that the First Year singles has been held.
Previous winners:
2018 Neville Nodder (Fitzroy)
2019 Todd Curtis (Tower)
2020 Amanda Crehan (Paritutu)
2021 Kerry Mullan (Tower)
2022 Lindsay Franklin (Stratford-Avon).
For full results, go to: First Year singles results