Gwen Vearing is under no illusions heading into the 2016 State Single Championship at Tuncurry – the lawn bowls event will be tough.
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The local bowler progressed to the state finals following a pair of fine displays and now a final 16 match-up with Sarah Boddington beckons.
Australian representative Boddington has plenty of experience at state tournaments but for Vearing, this will be a first.
"I've never won at zone – I’ve never won anything," Vearing said.
"Cathy Elliott got past district last year but we were knocked out at zone."
A modest Vearing said just one thing had seen her progress to the state finals.
"Luck, I think, a fair bit of luck," she said.
A little more than that has gone into it.
Not only did Vearing have to knock off her rivals from her district, she then came out on top following the zone tournament.
Vearing will have to bring that form to the state titles as several factors will be playing against her.
The bowler’s opponent will have a home ground advantage and the surface will also be out of the ordinary for Vearing.
“Tuncurry has grass greens too, where we play on synthetic,” Vearing said.
“They are a little bit different, grass is a lot tighter and slower.”
Vearing was making the trip up to Tuncurry early and hoped to get a few ends in before the event.
Regardless of what happens at the tournament, Vearing was going to lap up every moment of it.
“I want a little bit of luck – I want to get on the card at least,” she said.
“Someone has to lose and someone has to win so I’ll just take it as it comes.
“Sometimes you have a good day and sometimes you don’t, I just hope I have a good day.
“Everyone’s a zone winner and some have played for state and others for Australia.
“It’s going to be an experience for me – it’s going to be great.”
Vearing thanked the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club and her fellow bowlers for their assistance in making the state final.
The 2016 State Single Championship will be played at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club from October 30-31.