Barnes has been well versed in what it feels like to fall at the final hurdle on the greens after being a runner up in the Leeton and District Bowling Club's major singles championship on three separate occasions.

He lost the final in 2012, 2013 and again last year, but he has now made up for those disappointments with an emphatic victory on Saturday.

Drawn to play his nemesis from last year, Gus Laruffa, in the semi-final on Saturday morning, Barnes was in great touch and never allowed the wily Laruffa into the match.

He went out to a 19-shot lead after only 18 ends and cruised to the final with a 31 to 11 victory.

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Barnes then had the luxury of sitting on the sidelines where he watched Max Douglas and Luke Fisher battle it out in cold conditions in the other semi-final.

The winner would be his opponent in the final later on that day.

Douglas and Fisher had a marathon 41-end game and it was decided by the narrowest of margins with, the former drawing two shots on the final end to sneak home 31 to 30.

The final commenced at 1pm and, as the sun broke through the grey sky, it seemed to inspire Douglas, who raced out to a 13 to 5 lead.

Murmurs crept through the watching crowd that perhaps Barnes had played his final one game early, particularly as Douglas held a further three shots on the 15th end, this thought seemed to be a correct one.

However, Barnes responded to the challenge with a brave, but calculated shot, he managed to pick up the jack and take it back to pick up two shots.

The five-shot turnaround seemed to provide Barnes with confidence.

In a tactical ploy that worked well for him, he commenced to lengthen the ends, which caused Douglas to play a little short.

With control of the mat, Barnes went from strength-to-strength and, in fact, he would go on to win 13 of the next 17 ends to run out a comfortable winner 31 to 18.

Barnes was glad to have the monkey off his back by finally winning the title, but he was humble in victory, praising the efforts of his opponent.

"Max (Douglas) played well and I never felt comfortable the entire game," he said.

"I thought I was in real trouble early on."

For Douglas it was a case of being the bridesmaid again after also losing the 2018 final, ironically by the exact same score line.

"Full marks to 'Barnesy', he was just too good on the day," Douglas said.

"I will just have to have another crack next year."

The singles championship was the first competitive event to get underway at the Leeton and District Bowling Club since restrictions on gatherings and sport were lifted.

The competition showed the skills were still on point despite the break.

Social bowls for both men and women is played at the club throughout the week, with regular competitions also taking place.

Anyone interested in taking up the sport at the L&D should get in touch with the club to find out more information.

Spectators are also welcome at matches provided social distancing is followed.