Curtis Hanley, 17, of Katamatite, defeated Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aron Sherriff in the semi-finals of his first national event.

In Thursday’s final, defending champion Jeremy Henry proved too good although Hanley led for much of the second set.

Hanley’s mother Justine Stokes said her son was thrilled by his performance and had been asked to compete for Australia at the world indoor championships in March.

“So he gets to wear the green and gold for the first time, which has been his dream,” she said. 

Hanley took up bowls aged six after his grandfather introduced him and older brother Cain to the sport. He started playing pennant for Tocumwal a year later. 

The Hanley brothers won the Victorian open pairs title together last year.