A remarkable final delivery from her para bowls playing partner has secured Commonwealth Games gold for Australia’s oldest athlete in Glasgow.
Down 4-1 in the second set, Louise Hoskins and Serena Bonnell were headed for the lottery of a sudden-death tiebreaker with New Zealand in their women’s pairs B6-B8 showdown.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie’s incredible final shot to win gold
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A sprinkle of magic dust from Bonnell was the difference, as she perfectly trailed the jack and delivered three points to Australia to tie the set and secure a 6-3 4-4 win.
“What a shot from Serena. Australia take the gold. It’s been four years in the making, she said she wanted to come back and convert silver into gold and she’s played the shot of a lifetime,” Clive Adams said in commentary.
Hoskins, who was born during the 1950 Auckland Empire Games, couldn’t believe it.
“It is incredible. I’m still pinching myself,” said 76-year-old Hoskins.
“I never thought I’d ever get (a gold medal) at my age. Get out there and have a go, and never give up.”
Kiwi pair Julie O’Connell and Teri Blackbourn were world champions in 2023 and opened their Glasgow campaign with victory over Australia, dropping just one match en route to the final.
But Bonnell had a feeling she and Hoskins would be able to turn the tables with gold on the line.
The 44-year-old, who won silver in Birmingham four years ago, needed some words of wisdom from the sidelines before holding her nerve when it mattered most.
“I had good weight on my first, crap line on my second and my coach took a time out,” Bonnell said.
“She settled me down, supported me and that was enough for me to play the bowl and win the game.
“I have been dreaming and visualising the fact that I was going to have to play big bowls and Louise led exceptionally well.
“Thankfully I was able to play the bowl when I needed to.”
Hoskins was the contest’s dominant figure and was delighted for her partner to play the match-winning bowl.
“The moment Serena released it I could see she had it,” Hoskins said.
“It was amazing and just heading for the jack. You could see it.
“I knew it was there before it even came through.”
Asked how she planned to celebrate, Hoskins noted Bonnell still owed her a few drinks.
What will it be then?
“Whatever Serena’s going to give me,” Hoskins laughed.
