Medal in the bag for Tasmanian lawn bowler Rebecca Van Asch

LAUNCESTON’S Rebecca Van Asch felt sick as her Commonwealth Games women’s bowls fours semi-final against Canada went into a thrilling sudden-death decider.

Tasmania’s Rebecca Van Asch plays a bowl during the women's fours game between Australia and Namibia on day two of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Picture: ALBERT PEREZ/GETTY IMAGES

LAUNCESTON’S Rebecca Van Asch felt sick as her Commonwealth Games women’s bowls fours semi-final against Canada went into a thrilling sudden death decider.

But a nailbiting finish ensured the Australians progressed by the narrowest possible margin for the second round running to reach the gold medal final and guarantee Tasmania another medal.

Having defeated Malaysia 14-13 in the quarter-final, the team of Van Asch, Carla Krizanic, Natasha Scott and Kelsey Cottrell repeated the rollercoaster ride in the semi as Canada dropped behind 5-1 before levelling the scores and finally taking the lead at 8-7.

The Australian lawn bowls womens fours team of Kelsey Cottrell, Carla Krizanic, Rebecca Van Asch and Natasha Scott look on during their game against Papua New Guinea on day one of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Picture: PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

Leading 9-8 but facing elimination in the 15th end, Scott produced a perfect drive to save the campaign and limit Canada’s advantage to just one.

In a nerve-racking sudden death end at Broadbeach Bowls Club, the Aussies stayed cool to win 10-9 and progress to Monday’s final against reigning champion South Africa scheduled for 12.15pm.

“It was very nerve-racking last few ends,” said Van Asch, 30, who plays for the Invermay Bowls Club.

“We were down on what would have been the last end of the game and Tash had one bowl left to try and win the game for us or push it to an extra end.

MORE: THE 15 TASMANIANS AT THE GAMES

“There were a few options and we backed her with the drive which is a big strength of hers.

“If Tash had missed that we’d have been gone and playing for bronze tomorrow. I felt really sick waiting for it to come down.”

With world titles to her name in fours, triples and pairs, Van Asch is now assured of a medal at her maiden Commonwealth Games.

“It’s pretty exciting to be guaranteed a medal but obviously we want it to be gold,” she said.

Australia will meet South Africa for the bowls women’s four final at 12.15pm on Monday at the Broadbeach Bowls Club.