John Slavich Wins Second WA State Singles Title
John Slavich (Doubleview) has put on a masterful display to win the Dyenamic WA Men’s State Singles over last years Champion Blake Butler (Manning) at the Osborne Park Bowling Club. After previously being victorious in 2016 Slavich joins an illustrious group of two or more State Singles Title winners including the greats Dennis Katunarich, Geoff Oakley, Marko Krajancic and Bert Sharp.
Slavich was in great form all day including a 21-9 quarter final win over John Carlsen (North Beach) and then a Semi Final victory over young gun Jack East (Osborne Park) 25-7.
Equally Blake Butler was mounting an impressive title defense with a 21-13 quarter final victory over Scott O’Brien (Manning) and in a replay of last years final, a 25-10 win over Daniel Trewhella (Scarborough).
The sea breeze was slowly venturing in at Osborne Park when the Men’s Final began making conditions slightly cooler for not only the players but the healthy crowd in attendance. Slavich jumped out with a couple of two’s before Butler replied with his own couple of two’s and also a single to lead 5-4 for what would be the only time in the match.
A string of seven winning ends in a row including three lots 3 to Slavich put Butler squarely on the back foot and Slavich leading 18-5.
A mini fightback by Butler saw him win four of the next five ends and close the gap to 12-20 and the crowd hoping for what they saw in the Ladies Final.
Slavich responded with a single to take him to 21 and only a potential one end four from the title. Another couple of singles to Butler again gave him hope as continued to fight and put Slavich under pressure.
However the end was to come quickly when a double from Slavich took him to 23 and then another double straight after saw john Slavich hoist the trophy with a terrific display over a fighting Blake Butler 25-14.
