REDLANDS bowlers Jade Groenewege and Sean Baker have created their own slice of history, becoming the first players ever to win back-to-back pairs titles at the Australian Bowls Championships.
The duo, who play for the Victoria Point Magpies, defeated international-standard opposition at the state pairs to book their place at the national titles in Merimbula and earn a shot at a second straight title.
They cruised through the opening rounds on their return to the big stage with comfortable wins against Northern Territory, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory, seeing them qualify for the final against South Australia.
The Victoria Point pairing scored nine shots before their opposition got on the board, putting them in a commanding position which they capitalised on to sink South Australia without needing a last end.
Baker said he was proud to have completed the double alongside good friend Groenewege, who he met while living in Darwin.
"We've know each other for about a decade now," he said.
"I met him through state bowls and we formed a friendship. About six or seven years ago he moved back to Queensland and we've been playing bowls together consistently for the last four or five years now."
Baker said there were a few jitters between him and Groenewege during the final despite the pair's dominance.
Four matches in one day and a 17 hour drive to Merimbula had worn them down but they pushed through to bring the pairs trophy back to Victoria Point.
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