Ladies
Once again, I am honoured to be elected as your President for 2023.
This year will be in memory of Mel Dyer who we sadly lost but will never forget. I thank those of you who have agreed to support me in carrying out my duties throughout the year.
My very best wishes to our County teams and all ladies who will represent Suffolk at the National Championships.
As a county Suffolk is held in high regard and I will continue to do all I can to uphold our reputation during my second Presidential year.
JENNY RONCHETTI
SCWBA President 2023
SCBA officials with (l to R), President Jenny Ronchetti, Veronica Southey and Linda Nunn
Jan and Margaret approach the head.
Margaret and Jan inspect the head with Marker Jenny Ronchetti
Nigel Roberts, Lesley Dyer, Paula Gooch and Jason Finch
Ladies Pairs. Skips Margaret Thorpe and Pauline Black
Amy Rowe, Joe Sims, Martin Rumball and Lesley Alexander. Final end.
Ladies Pairs. Sue Saunders and Jan Truin
Ladies Singles. A close decision
President Jenny Ronchetti presents the Ladies Singles Trophy
Ladies Singles Champion: Sue Bryenton-Rochard
Competitive head in the Ladies Triples
Mixed Triples Final: Lesley Dyer, Amy Rowe, Mark Euston and Nigel Roberts
Mixed Triples Final: Peter Hurren and Joe Sims. They don’t listen, you know!
By WebsiteCoordinator 19/03/23 0 comments
This finals weekend, the first held jointly with the SCBA, proved a great success. The SCBA played their semi-finals on Saturday, with finals on Sunday, while the ladies played their finals divided over the two days. The integrated programme worked very well and special thanks are due to Veronica Southey and Kipp Crabbe for their excellent organisation. The SCWBA is also grateful to Ipswich & District Bowls Club, the sponsors of the individual competitions and all umpires and markers.
Saturday 4th March
Ladies 4 Bowl Senior Singles Final: Margaret Thorpe v Jan Truin
Jan was first into her game, but a four scored by Margaret in the 4th end took her ahead 6-5. The next end saw Jan regain the lead with two shots and her continued pressure placed her 8 shots ahead by the 11th end, 15-7. A very close call in the fifteenth end went to Margaret and she continued to come back at Jan, scoring one shot in the following end and a further three, so that by end 17 the score was tighter at 17-13 to Jan. Although Margaret remained competitive, Jan’s last wood came in to narrowly take the 18th end. In the 19th end an excellent shot from Jan took the jack away from Margaret’s holding wood, giving her another shot and leaving Jan to complete the match with one further shot in the 20th end.
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks Semi-Final (1): Josh Finch, Jason Finch & Paula Gooch v Lesley Dyer, Nigel Roberts & Peter Hurren (substituting for Kim Dyer)
The first of the semi-finals was initially one-sided in favour of Josh Finch’s triple, but their opponents pushed back to within one shot by the 9th end. Renewed pressure by Josh’s side resulted in a lead of 12-9 at 14 ends. However, Peter Hurren’s triple responded well to a short jack in the 15th end, taking it further back close to the side of the rink. Subsequent shots from Josh’s side went off rink and Peter’s side took 4 shots. Level at 16 ends, the match had the closest of finishes in the 17th end when the winning shot was decided by a measure, resulting in a 14-13 win for Lesley, Nigel and Peter.
Ladies Pairs Final: Sue Saunders & Pauline Black v Margaret Thorpe and Jan Truin
The Ladies Pairs Final was well contested, with Margaret and Jan edging ahead as the game progressed. At 14 ends this pairing were 4 shots in the lead at 14-10. Sue and Pauline pulled back on the next two ends, to be just two shots down, but were only able to put one more shot on the board, eventually losing 17-13.
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks Semi-Final (2): Martin Rumball, Stuart Gaught & Lesley Alexander (substituting for Sandi Steed) v Mark Euston, Joe Sims and Amy Rowe
Initially Stuart Gaught’s triple pulled ahead and were up by 12-8 by the 14th end. However, Mark Euston’s side fought back well gaining two shots by the 16th end and three more by the close of the match at the 18th end. The Borough of Eye team progressed to the final with a 14-12 win.
Mixed Pairs Semi-Final (1): Andrew Pulford & Shirley Plummer v Sandi Steed & Martin Rumball
The first semi-final was played on Friday 3rd March because Martin Rumball had qualified to play in all four Saturday sessions. Martin and Sandi were on excellent form and won 22-12.
Mixed Pairs Semi-Final (2): Josh Finch & Paula Gooch v Phil Smith & Sally Smith
The early ends of the second semi-final were closely contested, with the Smiths ahead until the fifth end. However, Josh Finch played strongly as lead and the next six ends went to his pair, putting them ahead by 10 shots to 3. Josh and Paula finished the game 21-12 ahead.
Sunday 5th March
Ladies Singles Final: Sue Bryenton-Rochard v Margaret Thorpe
Play was initially even until Sue scored a three in end 6 to go 6-2 ahead. Sue continued to play strongly until the 9th end (10-2), but in end 10 a close three-way measure added 2 shots to Margaret’s score. Tension crept into Sue’s game and she went down a one and then a three in the next two ends. Still ahead, 10-8, in end 13, Sue responded well to a close shot by Margaret and pulled just inside it to take a one. After 16 ends Sue was ahead 14-9. The play that followed was nervy from both ladies, but Sue played an excellent 21st end, scoring 3 shots to go ahead 19-11. Margaret continued to apply pressure, but the final concluded in the 24th end, with a 21-12 win for Sue.
Ladies Triples: Amy Finch, Pauline Wright & Janice Brackenbury v Paula Gooch, Margaret Thorpe & Lesley Alexander
The Ladies Triples final was characterised by excellent heads throughout, but Janice Brackenbury’s triple were in control after going well ahead in the early ends. The score was 15-1 against Lesley Alexander’s team before they got into the game, improving to 15-8 down in the 10th end. In the later ends Lesley’s triple continued to come back at their opponents, but the score at 19 ends was still in Janice’s favour, 21-15. The result was sealed when Janice’s last wood came in for shot and Paula, as skip, was unable to improve on it
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks Final: Mark Euston, Joe Sims & Amy Rowe v Lesley Dyer, Nigel Roberts & Peter Hurren
Although Joe Sims, as skip, killed the first end, his side struggled to settle and they were 0-5 after three ends. Slow progress saw them come into the game after the 10th end, when they gained seven shots in two ends, taking the lead 13-12 in the 12th end. The triples were level at 14 ends and the game continued to be very closely contested, closing with a win for Mark Euston, Joe Sims & Amy Rowe by 18 shots to 17.
Mixed Pairs Final: Sandi Steed & Martin Rumball v Josh Finch & Paula Gooch
The Mixed Pairs final was controlled from the start by Sandi Steed and Martin Rumball, who were 9-1 up by the 5th end. Josh Finch and Paula Gooch persisted with their efforts, but were often disappointed by narrowly lost heads and attacking shots which did not work in their favour. The match concluded at 18 ends with a 22-8 win to Sandi and Martin.
Mixed Pairs, won by Sandi Steed and Martin Rumball
Indoor Competitions Co-ordinator, Veronica Southey, calls out the competitors
Ladies 4 Bowl Senior Singles Champion: Jan Truin
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks Semi-Final 1. Last end tension
Ladies Pairs completed. Pauline Black, Jan Truin, Margaret Thorpe and Sue Saunders
Ladies Pairs Champions: Margaret Thorpe and Jan Truin
Margaret Thorpe and Sue Bryenton-Rochard
Ladies Singles: Margaret and Sue celebrate a well-played final
Ladies Triples: Skips Janice Brackenbury and Lesley Alexander
Ladies Triples: Amy Finch, Pauline Wright, Margaret Thorpe and Lesley Alexander
Ladies Triples: Presentations to Amy Finch, Pauline Wright and Janice Brackenbury by President Jenny Ronchetti
Ladies Triples Champions: Pauline Wright, Janice Brackenbury & Amy Finch
By WebsiteCoordinator 13/02/23 0 comments
The program for the joint men's and women's indoor semi-finals is available here.
By WebsiteCoordinator 13/01/23 0 comments
Please Note that the National Indoor Finals will now be played at Lincoln Indoor Bowls Club, on Tuesday 25th to Sunday 30th of April, rather than in Newark.
By WebsiteCoordinator 04/11/22 0 comments
The Agenda for the 2022 AGM is available here.
By WebsiteCoordinator 30/10/22 0 comments
A delicious and sociable meal was shared at Bramford Golf Centre by around 90 SCWBA members and guests. We were presided over by the top table, comprising (l to r) Lesley Alexander accompanying EWBF President, Paula Gooch, Mike Ronchetti with SCWBA President Jenny Ronchetti and SCBA President Keith (Kipp) Crabbe, with Maureen Lummis.
Kipp Crabbe toasted the SCWBA and made a short speech referring to highlights of the year, especially that the Men’s Senior Pair had a win for Suffolk at the Skegness National Finals, as well as the memorable win by Rachelle Barber and Julie Witham in the Ladies Pairs.
Jenny Ronchetti responded, with a review of 2022, starting with the excellent indoor results for Margaret Thorpe, being the winner in all four events. Margaret was especially congratulated on reaching the semi-final of the Senior Ladies Singles in the National Indoor Finals at Newark. The highlight of a busy and successful outdoor season was Rachelle Barber and Julie Witham from Bramford BC winning the National Ladies Pairs. Jenny also expressed her particular satisfaction at the level of support for the Novice Singles, which had been sponsored by Mel Dyer’s family in her memory. The Novice competition was won by Margaret Elson (Wrentham), with Cherie Hyett (Norbridge BC) runner up. Linda Nunn, Ann Craigie and Jane Pitcher were thanked for their support during the year and Mike Ronchetti got a mention for putting up with Jenny. Our President concluded by re-presenting the National trophy to Rachelle and Julie, to great applause from the assembled bowlers.
Ann Craigie, SCWBA Acting President Elect presented Jenny with an orchid in a glass vase and proposed a toast to our guests. She was especially pleased to welcome Kipp and Paula. She paid tribute to the commitment of those who had extended their time in office to support the EBF.
We were then addressed by Paula Gooch who told us about travelling nearly three thousand miles during her year as National President with her sister, Lesley Alexander, at her side. Many clubs in the northern area had been visited as well as clubs more local to her home area. She gave her personal congratulations to Rachelle Barber and Julie Witham and thanked the SCWBA ladies for their support. Funds have been raised for her charities Norfolk Heart Trust and the Queen Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. Paula was particularly pleased that £392 had been raised for Cancer Research UK in memory of Mel Dyer. Paula was also presented with an orchid to mark the occasion.
The raffle was very well supported and raised £403.
Trophies and awards were presented to the County Competition winners and runners-up. Notably, Sue Deeves, winner of the 4 Wood Singles and Senior Singles, was also presented with her 100 games badge and it was pointed out that Di Miller and Christine Woollard were collecting the Senior Ladies Pairs trophy for the third time running. Ann Simpson collected the Victorix Ludorum trophy for Area C and the Ellen Matthews was also won by Area C. Finally, thanks were given to Jane Pitcher, the County Finals Co-ordinator and to Ann Craigie for organising the luncheon.
At the SCBA Annual Dinner and Presentations, also at Bramford Golf Centre, the following week, Paula Gooch and Jenny Ronchetti represented Women’s Federation bowls and the trophies were presented by National President, Trevor Hardingham. Shirley Plummer received trophies for the indoor Mixed Pairs and Mixed Rinks and also the outdoor Mixed Pairs. Liz Radford was successful in the Senior Mixed Pairs outdoors and Veronica Newsome, as part of her family trio, received the County 2-Bowl Mixed Rinks trophy.
Ellen Matthews trophy winners Area C
By WebsiteCoordinator 10/10/22 0 comments
The draw for the 2022/2023 indoor competition is now available in the 'competitions' section.
PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF AWARE OF INDOOR COMPETITION RULES WHICH ARE IN THE LADIES COUNTY HANDBOOK.
NATIONAL FINALS: LINCOLN INDOOR BOWLS CLUB on 24th to 30th APRIL 2023.
By WebsiteCoordinator 19/09/22 0 comments
The National Championships at Skegness this year were held in unusually warm and sunny weather in the main and the players generally found the greens improved compared with last year. Unfortunately, continuous rain for a large part of Thursday led to all play being cancelled, but schedules were hurriedly altered and the greens adjusted to eight rinks to accommodate the remaining matches. Although this resulted in later than expected play on Friday and Saturday, the Championships were completed on Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday, the first day of matches for the SCWBA ladies, saw disappointments for several players, however Jackie Whitlock (Otley) progressed with a skilful win 21-18 against Northants, winning the important points towards the end of the match. Sue Deeves (Old Newton) also had a challenging game in the 4 bowl singles, largely trading single shots against a very experienced player from Nottinghamshire. She found herself down 14-18 before finishing the game in style to win 21-19. In the Mixed Rinks the Newsome family (Kessingland), Veronica, Christian and Neil, played steadily, putting pressure on their opponents from Derbyshire. A comfortable win, 22-10 resulted. SCWBA players unable to progress beyond the first day were, Elaine Felgate (Otley) in the 2 Bowl Singles, Di Miller and Christine Woollard (Hadleigh) in the Senior Pairs, Linda Fairs, Jayne Ordowski and Sally Fisher (Bramford) in the 2 Bowl Rinks and Shirley Plummer and David Brown (Rookery) in the Mixed Pairs.
Wednesday was another full day of competitions for our ladies. Sue Deeves, this time competing in the Senior Singles, initially pulled away, but her Northants opponent applied pressure, coming back within one shot. Her revival was finally dealt with by three excellent concluding ends by Sue for a 21-15 win. Sue was soon back on the green for the second round of the 4 bowl singles, playing a Durham competitor. This was a well-contested game initially, but Sue proved the stronger player on the day, resulting in a 21-14 passage to the semi-final. In the second round of the Secretaries Singles Jackie Whitlock was up against a strong opponent from Nottinghamshire. Undeterred, she played an extremely competitive match, pulling back when down and finishing that important one shot ahead, 21-20 for a place in the semi-final. Later in the day, with a bye into the second round, Rachelle Barber and Julie Witham (Bramford) had their first match in the Ladies Pairs, against North Essex. The players were closely matched and the lead changed hands several times. Down 15-16 after 18 ends, the Suffolk ladies scored a 4, from which North Essex were not able to recover, with the final score 20-17. Our 3 Bowl Rinks Champions, Brenda Akester, Linda Masters and Ruth Swarbrick (Aldeby) took too long to get onto the scoreboard due to the skilful play of their North Essex opponents and were never able to get into contention. Donna Mills (Stone Lodge) was another disappointed SCWBA competitor, leaving the Champion of Champion competition in the first round. Unfortunately Liz Radford (Brandon) was unable to get to Skegness to play in the Senior Mixed Pairs. In the second round of the Mixed Rinks, the Newsome family had a strong start to their game, with Veronica leading well and were just one down at the 14th end, but unfortunately went one down when they had been holding three and their opponents took full advantage, pulling away in the final ends.
Friday dawned fine again after the rains of the previous day, but prospects for Suffolk ladies were not so bright, with all three of the day’s matches ending in defeat. In the Under 25’s Singles, Ella Baker (Otley) initially went well ahead against her Derbyshire opponent, but her lead was steadily reduced in the later part of the match. At 20-18 down Ella stayed in the game with a close measure by the Umpire, but the match finished the following end, with another measure putting Ella out by 21 shots to 19 against the eventual Championship winner. Melanie Smith (Waldringfield), played with Jack Carter in the Open Under 25’s Pairs. Against Northumberland they were behind from the start but, despite a late rally, were unable to catch up. In the 4 Bowl Singles semi-final Sue Deeves had a disappointing game, failing to find the green against a strong competitor from Huntingdonshire.
Saturday. There were still semi-finals to be played on Saturday morning. These involved Jackie Whitlock (Secretaries Singles) and Rachelle Barber and Julie Witham (Ladies Pairs). Although making some good shots, Jackie fell behind early in the game and was unable to match her opponent from Huntingdonshire, losing her semi-final by 21 shots to 12. Although obviously disappointed, Jackie was pleased that she had come so far in her first singles appearance at Skegness. In the Ladies Pairs semi-final steady play throughout the match saw Rachelle and Julie keep the pressure on Northumberland. An early lead was maintained and extended towards the end of the game, with a comfortable 17-10 win the result. Rachelle and Jackie went on to play an equally skilful game in the final, claiming the National Ladies Pairs trophy with a 22 shot to 12 win over Northants. Many congratulations to the ladies from Bramford Bowls Club.
Despite previous concerns, it has now been confirmed that the EBF/EWBF 2023 finals will take place in Skegness.
To see a gallery of photographs from Skegness please click Here.
By WebsiteCoordinator 29/08/22 0 comments
Please click here here for the SCWBA Luncheon Menu. Bookings, requiring menu choice and cheque payment of £25.00 will be taken at your Area AGM on Monday 5th September, as in the County Handbook.
Suzanne Deeves SCWBA Champion in the 4 Bowl Singles and Senior Singles
By WebsiteCoordinator 16/08/22 0 comments
The area finals held on 2nd/3rd July provided passage for the winners into to the County finals, hosted very enjoyably by Stanton Bowls Club over the weekend of 9th-10th July. As usual for this summer, the weather was warm and sunny and encouraged some very competitive matches. The full results can be found in the 'Competitions' section. To access a photo gallery, which includes the matches played by SCWBA ladies in the men’s finals on 23rd/24th July at Stanton BC, click Here.
2 Wood Singles:
Elaine Felgate (Otley) had a comfortable win in her semi-final and met Christine Aldous (Thorndon) in the final. A skilful match was won by Elaine 21-15.
4 Wood Singles:
The semi-finals saw both Suzanne Deeves (Old Newton) and Joanne Clements (Stone Lodge) progress easily. However, the final between them turned out to be very closely contested, as Suzanne came back to win from a seemingly impossible position of 20-12 shots down.
Senior Singles:
This competition was to be to be Suzanne Deeves’ second County title. A win against Mary Gillam (Melton) 21-9 took her to the final against Andrea Dickinson (Brantham), which concluded 21-11.
Secretaries Singles:
Jackie Whitlock (Otley) and Claire Ransom (Hopton) played a very closely contested final. The lead changed hands several times during the match, but Jackie was eventually victorious 21-19.
Pairs:
The Pairs title was won by Julie Witham and Rachelle Barber (Bramford) after a sem-final win 23-13 against Paula Clarke and Julie Filby (Thurlton). In the final the Bramford pair had another comfortable win, 20-8 against Elaine Felgate and Jackie Whitlock (Otley).
Senior Pairs:
Both semi-finals were keenly contested, with Joy Squire and Lesley Culling (Halesworth) heading Rochelle Dryburgh and Liz Radford (Brandon) 17-14 to reach the final. Defending Champions Di Miller and Christine Woollard had an even closer match, just pipping Viv Sheppard and Maggie Page (Woodbridge) by one shot, 17-16. The final was easier for Di and Christine, who won by 19 shots to 13 to retain their title.
2 Bowl Rinks:
A closely-fought semi-final saw Linda Fairs, Jayne Ordowski and Sally Fisher (Bramford) progress to the final 21-18 where they met Judy Chittock, Elaine Felgate and Jackie Whitlock (Otley), victorious in their semi-final by just one shot 19-18 against the Old Newton block. The final was rather more one-sided, the title going to the Bramford triple, 22-13.
3 Bowl Rinks:
The players were all different to those who competed in the 2 Bowl Rinks and it was good to see some new faces. The final was contested by Linda Masters, Brenda Akester and Ruth Swarbrick (Aldeburgh) who won 18 shots to 13 against Adrienne Earye, Teresa Frost and Veronica Southey (Framlingham).
Champion of Champions:
Donna Mills (Stone Lodge) won the first semi- final with a 21-15 win over Liz Radford (Brandon) and the second place in the final was claimed by Gillian Lamprey (Lowestoft Railway), 21-13, against Linda Nunn (Stone Lodge). The final proved to be a confident win for Gillian, 21-14.
Under 25:
Experienced singles player, Chloe Webb (Rookery) had a comfortable win. 21-8, against Chelsea Turner (Thurlton) to gain the first final place. In the other semi-final, Ella Baker, had a competitive match against Hannah Brooks, which finished 21-17 in her favour. The final was another close match, which Ella won 21-17.
Under 25’s Open Pairs:
Competing in the SCBW finals, Melanie Smith, playing with Jack Carter (Waldringfield), progressed comfortably 21-10 to the final. The pair were up against Ryan Hard and Jo Sims (Norbridge) in the final, which proved to be the closest of matches, with an eventual win 16-15 for Melanie and Jack.
Mixed Pairs:
Shirley Plummer and David Brown (Rookery) had an easy win in their semi-final and played confidently in the final to overcome Julie and Matthew Filby (Thurlton) by 18 shots to 13.
Senior Mixed Pairs:
Having reached the final with a 21-11 win, Liz Radford and Trevor Dodds (Brandon) found the final a much greater challenge. A last end decider saw them win by 18 shots to 17 over Jean Batley and Terry Thacker (Kessingland).
Mixed Rinks:
A comfortable semi-final match saw Sue Deeves, Paul Salmon and Shaun Leeder (Old Newton) reach the final, where they played V Newsome, C Newsome and N Newsome (Kessingland). The Newsomes were to become the eventual champions with a 22-14 win.
Ella Baker (Otley) playing Chloe Webb (Rookery) in the U25 final
By WebsiteCoordinator 11/07/22 0 comments
The County Semi-final and Final results are now available under Competitions.