Representing the Campaspe Valley Bowls Division having won the right to do so firstly by becoming a club champion, and then against other local club representatives in Bendigo, Harvey travelled to the City of Frankston Bowls Club in Melbourne for the tournament.
No less than 16 regional winners contested the day, which was played in a straight knockout format, beginning with the round of 16.
Defeating West Coast region’s Michael Menzies in the round of 16 match, Harvey moved on to Yarra region’s Rowan Sharp in the quarter finals.
‘‘My second match against Rowan — he was a very accomplished bowler and I was down after the first five or so ends,’’ Harvey said.
‘‘But I managed to peg it back and at the end he paid me the ultimate compliment in saying I was too consistent for him which was nice.’’
The 67-year-old charged into the semi-finals against Ovens and Murray’s Ashley Bates, who has represented Victoria more than 150 times.
But Bates was no match for the Moama man, and Harvey advanced into the grand final, where he met Rob Sutherland.
Representing the Metro West region, Sutherland put up a strong fight but in the end Harvey came out trumps with a 22-15 scoreline.
‘‘I went down with no expectations and I think that helped,’’ Harvey said.
‘‘So I was really relaxed by the time the final rolled around.
‘‘Going all the way to the final was a big thrill. When I won I stood there in the middle of the green, hands on head and just said ‘I can’t believe it’.’’
It was Harvey’s first state title and just his second attempt at going all the way.
Before his time in the twin towns, Harvey won the over-60s title in the Goulburn Valley two years in a row.
And since his move to the CVBD two years ago he had bad luck right up until the start of the state singles title this time around.
‘‘Since coming back I have received a lot of support since from a whole host of clubs around here,’’ Harvey said.
‘‘It’s great for the Campaspe Valley. There have been a few winners in recent times, so it’s great to see we still have some good bowlers up in the country.’’
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