A 72-year-old Frome resident has had his best-ever run in the Open Singles Indoor Bowls Circuit, beating a World Cup gold medallist and three times Commonwealth medallist.
Duncan McGovern competed in the England Indoor Bowls Association Open Singles Tournament at Clarrie Dunbar Indoor Bowls Club in Standerwick at the end of February.
Duncan reached the final of the tournament, where he was runner-up to fellow Clarrie bowler Andrew Colebrooke. On the way, he defeated Sam Tolchard, an England international, Commonwealth medallist and World Cup gold medallist in the quarter-final, a player half his age.
“I had home advantage but this was Sam’s fourth game and his third on rink four. He brought the very best out of me and accepted defeat graciously; a true professional,” said Duncan.
Sam Tolchard is among the sport’s leading lawn and indoor bowlers and last year won the singles gold medal at the 2025 Bowls World Cup to go with his three Commonwealth medals – a silver he won as part of the England team in the Pairs in 2022 and two bronze, won in the Pairs in 2014 and the Fours team in 2018. In November 2022, he won the gold medal at the World Singles Champion of Champions in Wellington, New Zealand and has also been nine times English national champion.
“At 72, beating Sam, who is half my age, was a once-in-a-lifetime win,” said Duncan. “I’ve had successes over the years, but to play someone of his stature and come out on top was very special.”
Duncan has been playing bowls since his late teens. He plays indoor bowls for Clarrie Dunbar and outdoor bowls at Bradford-on-Avon, and has also played locally with Frome Selwood Bowling Club.
He says the game appeals because of its community and mental challenges. “It’s like a puzzle – there might be two or three options for each shot, and you have to work out the best play and execute it,” he said.
“There is a strong community in the bowls world. You meet people indoors and outdoors, and at national finals you see players from other counties. It’s a very welcoming community.”
Duncan thanked Brian Hawkins, Clarrie Dunbar staff and players, and congratulated Andrew Colebrooke on his win. “It’s a fine club to play for and a worthy champion,” he said.
