Segar Clinches Maiden South Canterbury Singles Title

Aaron Segar of the West End Bowling Club put on a masterclass this weekend, securing his first South Canterbury singles title and earning a spot at the New Zealand National Finals in Auckland this July.

While this is Segar’s first individual crown, it marks his second regional title. He previously tasted success in 2013 as part of a champion fours team alongside Barrie Andrews, Don Johnston, and Ken Feathers. After starting the sport in the 1990s, Segar took an extended hiatus before returning to the greens eight years ago— a comeback that has now reached its peak.

Segar entered the tournament with a surge of momentum following a recent win in the West End club singles final against Adrian Robins, a five-time Champion of Champions winner. That victory clearly bolstered his confidence, as he marched through the early rounds with clinical precision.

A Final for the Ages

The final pitted Segar against Waimate’s Nic Scriggins, a seasoned competitor with three South Canterbury titles to his name. The matchup lived up to the hype, leaving the gallery speechless with the level of skill on display.

Segar took an early 8 – 3 lead, but the turning point came when Scriggins was holding two shots. Segar "turned back the clock," delivering a world-class trail of the jack to pick up three shots and extend his lead to 11– 3. It was the kind of magic shot and high-reward play that is becoming a rarity in the modern game.

However, Scriggins showed his class, mounting a fierce comeback. Over the next ten ends, he utilized superb drawing shots to score 11 points, narrowing the gap to 18 - 14.

Segar managed to score two shots, only needing one shot to win and host a party at Segar's place, but Scriggins was wanting to spoil the party and drew three beauties to close the gap 20 - 17.

The Winning Moment

The tension peaked as the match neared the 21-point finish line. With Segar leading 20 - 17, Scriggins played a phenomenal end, "smothering" the kitty with three bowls. With his final delivery, Segar produced a moment of magic, moving the jack just three inches to secure the final point and the championship.

Segar will now represent the region at the National Finals, held at the prestigious Royal Oak greens in Auckland. Segar is now the holder of the Robin Milne trophy in winning the South Canterbury Champion of Champion singles and was off to a party at Segar's place.

Tournament Results

Quarter-Finals

• Aaron Segar (West End) 21 beat Rana Matenga (Kia Toa) 16

• Nic Scriggins (Waimate) 21 beat Mitchell Dunbar (Fairlie) 13

• Andrew Cowan (Geraldine) 21 beat Daryl Fowler (Pleasant Point) 13

• Graham Segar (Timaru) Bye

Semi-Finals

• West End 21 beat Timaru 13

• Waimate 21 beat Geraldine 15

Final

• West End (Aaron Segar) 21 beat Waimate (Nic Scriggins)

- Richie Kerr