FORMER Shoalhaven Heads lawn bowler Karen Murphy has written another chapter in her amazing career becoming the first woman to win back-to-back Australian Indoor Singles Championships.

The three-time Commonwealth Games and World Championship representative defeated Western Australia’s Therese Hastings 11-5, 11-5 at the Tweed Heads Bowling Club to etch her name into the history books.

As far as victories go, this one was sweet for Murphy.

With the weight of expectation resting firmly on her shoulders, the 33-year-old remained ice cool throughout the contest, capping off a remarkable week which also saw her ascend to the top of the national rankings.

A jubilant Murphy said she was overjoyed to be the first player to put her name on the coveted title on more than one occasion.

“It’s fantastic, “Murphy said.

“To me the number one ranking is a nice little bonus, but it feels great to have won back-to-back Australian Indoor Championships.

“It means I get to have another crack at the World Cup next year, we’re not sure where it’s going to be but hopefully it’s in Warilla.

“Therese is a great player, she’s always a tough nut to crack, but it was great to be able to get across the line.”

Having started slowly, Murphy gradually found her groove as the Tweed Heads crowd, which was packed to the rafters, was entertained by some high class bowls.

With scores locked at 3-apiece after four ends, Murphy made her move on the crucial fifth end, drawing three shots to open up a tidy buffer.

While Hastings was able to peg the margin back with a single on the sixth, Murphy again showed great skill to draw a further two shots, capitalizing on Hastings insistence to play long ends when bowling towards the clubhouse.

After closing out the first set 11-5, Murphy looked in full control after claiming a triple on the opening end of the second set before she encountered a minor hiccup.

With Hastings holding two, Murphy was distracted by the commentary box, falling well short with her fourth bowl on the second end to open the door for the Western Australian.

While the Shellharbour favourite looked rattled, she did enough with her final bowl on the third end to snatch a double which allowed her to place one hand on the trophy.

In the wash-up, Murphy claimed the second set and the match to ensure her place in history.