Harry claims historic youngest Vic open men’s title

HE was one of the youngest players in the field, but that did not stop 15-year-old Harry Coleman being the last man standing at the Victorian Open Bowls Singles Championships.

Coleman, from Inverleigh, made history by becoming the youngest ever state open singles champion, defeating Victorian and Queensland representative Mark Armstrong in the final at Traralgon Bowls Club.

The now Deer Park club bowler capped a whirlwind tournament by beating some of the absolute cream of the crop of Victorian bowls.

They included star Moama player Matt Robertson, former state representative Leigh McIlvenny, from Lorne (21-18) and Melton’s Oscar Jones (21-16) on the way to a semi-final clash with reigning open singles champion Kobe Barton.

The teenager put the writing on the wall early, seizing control of the game and shooting to an 18-9 lead, before Barton rallied to bridge the gap to four shots (18-14).

Wins on the final two ends to Coleman ensured his passage into the final showdown against interstater Armstrong, from the Pialba club, on Hervey Bay.

Coleman snuck away to an early 12-3 lead with some brilliant bowls, but endured some anxious moments as Armstrong clawed the score back to 14-18.

A final highlighted by amazing draw bowling, perfect upshots and some outstanding drives, particularly from Coleman, saw the pair go shot for shot over the final stages before the young gun prevailed 21-16.

Coleman said his championship win had taken a long time to sink in.

“It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “I’m still on a high.

“You don’t go to these tournaments expecting to win them at my age.

“When I got past the round of 16 on the Friday night, I thought I was a bit of a chance here.

“I won the quarter comfortably and then I got to the semi against last year’s winner and was thinking I’m okay whatever way this goes.

“I had him 18-9, so I thought this is my chance here.”

 

The final against Armstrong will live long in his memory, especially his dream start to the match and the composure shown over the final ends.

Coleman, who made it through to the first round of knockouts at last year’s tournament, said his goal each year was to go one step better at major events.

“To be the youngest person to do it makes it even more special,” he said.

“It means a lot. I’m pretty privileged to win it and very honoured.

“When you look back at the names who have won it, it’s special being up there with them.”

Coleman was quick to praise the support of the Deer Park club and his coaches Mark Casey, Nathan Bush and Chris Green.

“They have all put a lot of time into me, especially Nathan Bush,” he said.

“He’s from Geelong, so I train with him most weeks.

“I have been lucky to be involved in some great sides and surrounded by some very experienced players.”

Coleman also singled out his teammate and Scottish international Dean Riva, who made it through to the round of 32, for adding an extra layer of calmness behind the rink during a tense final.

“Dean’s a really nice guy and I am really thankful to him for helping me,” he said.

“He was right behind me every game.”

With a first, but hopefully not last Victorian open title firmly in his possession, Coleman’s focus quickly turned to this week’s Victorian under-18 championships at Sunbury.

A busy schedule includes the singles, pairs, mixed pairs and triples.

Coleman and Ballarat’s Addy Ryan were attempting to go back-to-back in the mixed pairs.

As ever, Coleman is putting his trust in his own abilities and the wisdom of his coaches.

“The coaches have assured me not to put the pressure on myself as what I’ve done is bigger than under-18s,” he said.

“Taking things as they come is the best approach.”

Victorian open singles success followed a smart ending to 2025 for the prodigiously talented bowler.

Last November, Coleman scored gold and bronze medals at the Australian under-18 Bowls Championships, held at the Devonport Country Club in Tasmania.

Coleman represented Victoria at the competition and won gold in the fours and bronze in the triples.

He one of five selected players in the state team after featuring in the under-18 tri-series between Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in Sunbury earlier in the year.

Coleman, who still practices a couple of times a month at Inverleigh, said his long-term aims included Victorian open and one day, hopefully, Australian selection.

It has been well documented that Coleman’s decision to take up bowling was influenced by his parents, Mark and Suzy, who also play, and have played for Inverleigh, Geelong and Deer Park.