The 20-year-old was named in the men’s All Stars, which came after he provided the 10 teams with some post-tournament entertainment by shaving his locks for charity.

Owen helped Warrnambool’s men’s team to a credible second place, while the host’s women finished eighth in the three-day tournament at Great Ocean Road Bowl.

“We were happy with second but we’re disappointed that we just missed out on the win at our home centre,” Owen said of the men. He was naturally pleased to earn a place in the All Stars after averaging 205.429 at his second Country Cup.

“Self-belief is probably the thing that I’ve been lacking, so this is really good,” he said.

“I was doing pretty well until the last game when I had a 133.

“I thought I might’ve dropped out.”

Owen’s tournament culminated with him shaving his head for the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $380 at the Country Cup, which boosted his grand total to about $600.

Geelong captain Andrew Carmichael, who averaged 208.615 and was also named in the men’s All Stars, led his experienced side to back-to-back overall triumphs.

“Hopefully this injects a bit of pride into our centre and our association,” he said.

“All I ask as captain is dedication from the players and to commit to every frame and just to try and cover as many pins as possible.”

The final men’s ladder was Geelong (85 points), Warrnambool (77.5), Latrobe Valley (77), Colac (72), Albury (61.5), Ballarat (58.5), Wodonga (58), Sunraysia (50.5), Shepparton (46.5) and Bendigo (43.5).

Shepparton (90.5) clinched the women’s title again followed by Latrobe Valley (84.5), Geelong (80.5), Sunraysia (70.5), Bendigo (70), Ballarat (51), Albury (49), Warrnambool (47.5), Wodonga (47.5) and Colac (39).

The MVP awards went to Sam Murphy (Shepparton) and Paul Campbell (Geelong).

Alicia Mason (268) claimed women’s high games honours, while Jackson Gamble and Nathan Lock (279) finished on top in the men’s.

Shepparton will host next year’s Country Cup.