On Wednesday, January 13 the City of Echuca bowler won the 2020 Victorian Women’s Novice Singles final at Warrnambool, about nine months after it was meant to be played.
The first three rounds of the competition had been played throughout the early stages of 2020, but it was soon forced to be postponed as the COVID-19 pandemic halted everyday life.
It meant Tooley faced a waiting game to find out when the game would actually be played.
But even with restrictions limiting her practice at times during 2020, she continued to find a way to keep her skills sharp.
And in the end, it paid off after she prevailed over Kim Johnston from Yarrawonga 21 shots to 14 in the final.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have come away with a win,” Tooley, who was representing the Bendigo-Campaspe region, said.
“I’ve had to be patient waiting for the final because we weren’t too sure when it was going to be played. I actually qualified all the way back in March.
“The game was pretty even all the way through, but I managed to get a break at key times in the game.
“Kim is a terrific bowler and I thank her for a terrific game.”
Tooley won’t have too much time to bask in the glory of her individual success either as she prepares for a return to Campaspe Valley Bowls Division midweek pennant action on January 22.
Her side, Echuca White, currently sits second on the ladder, having lost just one game for the season.
“This is my first season playing on a pennant team,” Tooley said.
“I’m really enjoying the team aspect of the sport because it gives me a different challenge of what I’m used to.
“Playing singles, you have to do a lot of thinking for yourself but being on a team means there are a lot of different ideas being floated around.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there after a couple of weeks off. Hopefully we can push for top spot before finals.”
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