NELSON BAY has a new world champion.
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Blake Signal finished off 2016 in style, winning gold for New Zealand in the discipline of fours at the World Bowls Championship in December.
Signal played three in the New Zealand four that smashed the Australian team in the final 23-4.
“It feels pretty good to say I’m a world champ. It took a while for it to sink in.
“The team was incredible. Our skipper Ali Forsyth was on fire in the final. Every shot he turned into gold,” Signal said.
Signal also took out bronze in the triples at the championships.
The New Zealander moved to Nelson Bay a year ago after his fellow Blackjacks teammate Richard Girvan, a member of the Nelson Bay Bowling Club, suggested it to improve his game.
“Bowls is much bigger over here in Australia. More competition, more clubs, more chances to play,” Signal said.
“I’ve definitely improved my game since I’ve been here in Nelson Bay. The local talent is really good, really competitive.
“And the Nelson Bay Bowling Club is a fantastic place to play. It’s a really lovely group of people, a really good community spirit,” Signal said.
So what’s next for the world champ?
“I’ll be working on keeping the results coming in, so I can get selected in the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team,” he said.