The Lithgow City Bowling Club now has yet another new major singles champion in Mark Sheppard following the final over the weekend.

Facing up in their first finals appearance for the club were Bob Brown and Mark Sheppard after the 2013 winner Adam Favell had been knocked out at the semi final stage.

The final drew a good crowd, which was also treated to some great bowling not only from the major finalists, but also from other singles games going on at the same time as the final.

For Brown, it was a matter of how close could he go and not win the title.

Sheppard won the first end, and from there Brown was always behind, albeit by only the odd shot.

Brown was always trying to get a lead, no matter how minor, but Sheppard was also able to repel the many challenges Brown threw out.

Even as the final was reaching its zenith, Sheppard was able to hold a lead of 27-25 on the 29th end.

Such was the closeness of the final that up until the 39th end neither bowler was able to put a maximum score of four on the board. Sheppard, needing that elusive four to claim victory, was finally able to reach the required 31 shots with a four, winning 31-25 in a great display to be crowned the 2014 Lithgow City major singles champion.

For full report see today's Lithgow Mercury.