The surprise win means he will be in more experienced company when he represents Koroit in the Western District Bowls Division’s champions of champions.

The two-day competition starts on Sunday and is one of the highlights on the WDBD calendar, pitting the champions of the nine clubs against each other.

Cooper, 51, meets Warrnambool’s Laurie McLean in a first-to-25 quarter-final. He knows a little bit about his opponent but is adamant he starts as an underdog.

“It’d be nice if I did (win through to semi-finals) but I’m not holding my breath,” he said.

Cooper grew up at Allansford before shifting to Grassmere and then Koroit. He has lived in the town for three decades and works as a boilermaker.

His path to lawn bowls is well worn. He played cricket and golf and was a footballer before a knee injury condemned him to retirement, aged 20.

Two years away from sport followed after he gave away cricket. But his competitive streak remained. Cooper is yet to regret wandering down to the bowls club.

“I think it’s to do with a bit of hand-eye co-ordination. If you play golf and cricket, it follows on, similar skills I suppose,” he said.

“Bowls is very difficult, probably more of a mental game. Absolutely it has its ups and downs, the form comes and goes.”

But Cooper is pleased with his improvement. He plays as a third to Jack Murnane in Koroit’s Saturday pennant side, having honed his craft as a lead.

“It’s probably more putting the time into it and practising and getting tips from more experiened players,” he said.

“We’ve had coaching.  Lachie Tighe has come down, he’s been the Canadian coach. He’s taken a few sessions and gives  you a few focus points.”

The opening day of the WDBD champion of champions is at Dennington on Sunday.

Eight men and nine women will compete for the coveted title following the withdrawal of Timboon’s Arthur Finch due to Australian indoor bowls squad trials.