Ladies of SCWBA
It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected as your President for the upcoming year, 2024. My sincere thanks go to those who have agreed to support me throughout my Presidential Year.
I shall endeavour to support the Suffolk ladies and our County’s excellent reputation, wherever and however I can.
I give my special best wishes to our County Teams; the Silver Jubilee Vase and the Donald Steward, the Harry Carver Team and to all our County representatives at Lincoln and Skegness for the Indoor & Outdoor National Finals in 2024.
Friendships are made and cemented on the bowls green, the camaraderie we build is precious and priceless. I sincerely hope the sun shines on all of you whilst you play your competitions, be they in the Suffolk Leagues or County Competitions.
Whether you are competing or giving your support by watching, please have a wonderful 2024 and I hope to see you all on the greens.
PAULINE BLACK
SCWBA PRESIDENT 2024
By WebsiteCoordinator 25/10/24 0 comments
It hardly seemed possible that a year had passed since the last SCWBA luncheon, but we found ourselves again at Bramford Golf Centre celebrating another enjoyable year of bowls. SCWBA President, Pauline Black, was delighted to welcome EWBF President, Irene Ballam accompanied by husband Bill, and SCBA President, Gary Pleasance to share our luncheon. Also with Pauline on the top table were her husband Geoff Pratt and SCWBA President Elect, Donna Mills.
After enjoying the meal together, we heard first from Gary Pleasance who toasted the SCWBA, congratulating the ladies on achieving two wins at the Skegness Finals. The Silver Jubilee Vase Team’s excellent win for the second year running was followed by Donna Mills’ win in the Champion of Champions competition after playing really well all week. Our outgoing President, Pauline Black began by expressing delight that the EWBF President, Mrs Irene Ballam and her husband were with us. She built on Gary Pleasance’s reminiscences of Skegness with her own memories of the week, on and off the green. However, perhaps Pauline’s most pleasing experiences of the year centred on less experienced bowlers; following the Under 25s progress and enjoying a lovely day with the four ladies who took part in the Novice Competition.
Pauline concluded by thanking all the players who represented the County, both indoors and outdoors. The National Silver Jubilee Vase trophy was here for all to admire, but we must not forget the Donald Steward and the Harry Carver teams. Special moments for Pauline were Amy Finch’s memorable Indoor Ladies Singles final against Ann Lenny and Margaret Thorpe’s close match in the Senior Singles. She also highlighted Gillian Lamprey’s 2 bowl singles semi-final at Skegness, lost by only one shot and Donna Mill’s fine win in the Champion of Champions. Pauline was also proud of the SCBA/SCWBA Suffolk Presidential team, the six members combining so successfully at Skegness. Finally, Chloe Saunders was thanked for organising our excellent luncheon.
The toast to our guests was proposed by Donna Mills, SCWBA President Elect. Donna thanked everyone for their support during the year.
EWBF President, Irene Ballam, an amusing speaker, brought smiles to the proceedings with a variety of jokes. However, on a serious note, Irene pointed out that although sporting excellence is good in itself, we all need to work to help clubs and individuals to survive and flourish and to maintain interest in bowls in our area. Irene thanked the SCWBA for our warm-hearted welcome. Irene was presented with a large bunch of flowers with thanks by Pauline Black.
Presentations were made to the runners-up and winners of the individual outdoor and indoor competitions, followed by gifts for members of the Silver Jubilee Vase team. The thimbles from the SJV win were presented to Shirley Lilley, Donna Mills and Sue Rochard. In recognition of the success at Skegness, the crystal vase, previously donated by former Treasurer, Sue Boorman, and her sister Pam Ward, was again presented to Ann Craigie. Ann was also given a gift of a rose bush, with thanks from Junior President, Lesley Dyer.
Area C received the Wooden Spoon for the Ellen Matthews competition this year and the winning Area D team were presented with their swingers.
The successful luncheon concluded with a well-supported raffle, which raised £317 and Lesley Dyer was thanked for raising about £200 for the SCWBA this year by selling her question sheet.
By Sally Smith 25/10/24 0 comments
The indoor draws for 24/25 are now available under Competitions.
By Sally Smith 18/09/24 0 comments
L to R: Afton Curtis, Stephanie Thorburn, President Pauline, Rachel Chesman, Kate Kartacayen
By Pauline Black 10/09/24 0 comments
There were four entries for this 2-bowl singles competition which is open to any lady who has not bowled before the first Saturday in September 2023 in outdoor or any form of indoor bowls. Happily, the weather was beautiful for this Novice Singles event.
Our competitors were Rachel Chesman - Framlingham BC, Kate Kartacayen - Framlingham BC, Stephanie Thorburn - Wrentham BC and Afton Curtis - Rookery BC. Following light refreshments and a chat from Umpire Mike Nunn, the ladies commenced a three-session round robin of 12 ends, marked by President Pauline Black, President Elect Donna Mills, SCBA President Elect Andrew Burch, Silver Jubilee Vase Captain Ann Craigie and Past President Linda Nunn. Photographer for the day was President Pauline’s husband Geoff who in recent events has been stepping forward quite happily to assist. Click here for a photo gallery.
Following their matches which were definitely exciting to watch and mark, the ladies and spectators enjoyed their packed lunches before watching the 21 shot final between Afton Curtis and Rachel Chesman. Earlier in the day Rachel admitted that she wasn’t a ‘competitive’ person, she was just happy to play a game and was happy for her opponent if they beat her. It was very pleasing to notice that as the final progressed we began to see ‘competitive signs’ from her which we all laughed about afterwards. As the matches earlier the final was played in wonderful spirits and a lovely sense of camaraderie. The presentation of the Novice Singles Cup to Rachel and personal trophies from President Pauline to Rachel and runner-up Afton ended a long but lovely satisfying day for everyone involved. The four Novices thoroughly enjoyed their day from both a learning aspect and a competitive one. We fully expect to see all four on the greens in the future.
President Pauline has now recovered from her ‘apparently graceful, slow motion’ fall backwards off the green (fortunately on to a grass verge). Following a bruised calf, arm AND pride Pauline bounced back up and carried on marking. Thanks go to all the markers, umpire and Westerfield BC for hosting the event for us.
By WebsiteCoordinator 24/08/24 0 comments
Donna Mills, SCWBA President Elect, has had a very busy week at the Skegness EBF National Finals. As well as her official duties, she represented Suffolk in the 4 bowl singles competition, the 2 bowl rinks (with Helen Sharp and Joanne Clements) and the Champion of Champions. Donna was defeated in the second round of the 4 bowl, but with her Stone Lodge club team-mates, progressed to play a semi-final against Derbyshire in the 2 bowl rinks, which they lost by just one shot, 20-19. Today, Donna crowned a highly successful week by winning the Champion of Champions final against Northumberland opponent, N. Scott, by a dominant score of 21 to 11 shots.
It has been an excellent finals week for Suffolk. As well as retaining the Silver Jubilee Vase title at the start of the week, and Donna’s success in the Champion of Champions, Suffolk players also reached semi-finals in three competitions. Andrea Dickinson lost a close match in the Secretaries Singles by 21-18 against a Derbyshire opponent and Gillian Lamprey came agonisingly close to the final in the 2 bowl Singles competition, losing ultimately by just one shot to the Nottinghamshire competitor. Our young players, Kylie Smith and Mel Carter had an excellent competition in the Ladies Pairs, but lost 12-18 to Humberside in their semi-final. Well done to all Suffolk players!
Keep an eye on this site for more news and pictures from the Skegness National Finals 2024.
By WebsiteCoordinator 18/08/24 0 comments
At the National Finals in Skegness the Silver Jubilee Vase ladies were up against local favourites, Lincolnshire in their bid to retain their title. The large crowd of Suffolk supporters saw their team play confidently and with great support for each other. Suffolk maintained a lead throughout the match, concluding as winners by 130 to 83. Very well done to Team Captain, Ann Craigie and all her bowlers!
A photo gallery will follow when available
By WebsiteCoordinator 12/08/24 0 comments
Time again to make your entries to the indoor competitions! It’s good to be part of these competitions during the dark winter months. The winners progress to represent Suffolk in the National Finals in Lincoln in April. Full information will be found on the entry forms. Please note that, contrary to previous information, the final date for entry has been extended to 5th October. Your forms must reach Sue Rochard by that date.
Please note that entries for the Novices Competition on 1st September have now closed.
Andrew Burch, SCBA President Elect and all the competitors are welcomed to semi-finals day.
Finals Day play
By WebsiteCoordinator 12/08/24 0 comments
The County Finals were hosted this year by Felixstowe and Suffolk Bowling Club on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July. The delightful surroundings of beach huts around the green were a reminder of the proximity to the sea front. The Suffolk ladies were treated to a very friendly welcome, not always matched by the weather which proved to be a mix of sunshine and torrential showers throughout the weekend.
All competitions were closely contested through the semi-final and final stages with a high standard of bowls appreciated by the large number of spectators. Championship winners progress to play for Suffolk in the National Finals in Skegness, 17th – 24th August.
Click here to access a gallery of photos from the County Finals
2 Wood:
Semi-final 1. A very competitive game, with both bowlers playing strongly, resulted in a win by one shot for Gillian Lamprey (Lowestoft Railway) over Jackie Whitlock (Otley).
Semi-final 2. Joanne Clements (Stone Lodge) built up a dominant lead against Ann Lilley (Ixworth) early in the game, but later came under sustained pressure from Ann who took the match 21-17.
Final: Gillian started strongly, but Ann profited by playing short jacks when possible. As the game progressed Gillian pulled away and eventually won by 21 shots to 11.
4 Wood:
Semi-final 1. Donna Mills (Stone Lodge) played strongly against Elaine Peck Wenhaston), to gain a 21-12 win.
Semi-final 2. The semi-final between Kylie Smith (Waldringfield) and Chloe Coleman (Stanton) matched two of the SCWBA’s younger players. It was a spirited game, in which Chloe came back from 20-8 down, but was eventually unsuccessful, losing 21-16.
Final: Kylie Smith found herself in another close game, this time against Donna Mills (Stone Lodge). The initial ends went in favour of Kylie, but a timely 4 brought Donna back into the match and she then levelled the game at 10 all. This hard-fought match was level again at 18 all, but Donna narrowly clinched a win 21-19.
Senior Singles:
Semi-final 1. Sue Hender (Norbridge) and Doreen Copping (Stowupland) were very closely matched in the first semi-final. Doreen was ahead through the match by just 2 or 3 shots until Sue went ahead 20-19. However, a strong final end by Doreen resulted in the closest of wins, 21-20.
Semi-final 2. The semi-final between Marlene McGee (Lowestoft Railway) and Mary Gillam (Melton) was another close encounter. Marlene established an early lead, but Mary fought back well and eventually came out the 18-21 winner.
Final: Both finalists initially had difficulty finding the weight of the green, but Doreen pulled away steadily in a nervy game, concluding with a win 21-12 against Mary.
Secretaries Singles:
Semi-final 1. Andrea Dickinson (Brantham) played Margaret Hutchison (Stradbroke White Hart) in the first semi-final, proving too strong for Margaret with a 21-9 win.
Semi-final 2. A closer semi was played between Sue Rochard (Blundeston) and Sue Deeves (Old Newton). Sue was comfortably ahead by 15 shots to 10 after 16 ends, going on to win 21-17.
Final: Although the match started evenly, Andrea found the green well and steadily built a lead to 10-3. Although Sue’s game improved, she was always behind and stalled on 13 shots. Andrea’s excellent finish took her to a win 21-13.
Pairs:
Semi-final 2. Three young players were involved in the other semi-final. Georgie Watson-Sharp teamed up with Donna Mills (Stone Lodge) against sisters Kylie and Mel Smith (Waldringfield). Kylie and Mel played strongly, winning 19-15.
Final: The Smith sisters carried forward their good form to the final on Sunday. The match started quite evenly, but Angela and Sue were 3-7 down by 8 ends. Kylie and Mel continued to apply pressure and the match concluded 16 shots to 11 in their favour.
Senior Pairs:
Semi-final 1. Halesworth bowlers Joy Squire and Mary Rayner were against Margret Thorpe and Christine Aldous (Thorndon). Joy and Mary went into an early lead, which came under such pressure from Margaret and Christine, that the match was only decided in the last end, 17-16.
Semi-final 2. Shirley Lilley and A. Hawkins (Melton) had a difficult match against defending Champions Di Miller and Christine Woollard (Hadleigh). The match went to Di and Christine by 19 shots to 8.
Final: Di Miller and Christine Woollard found themselves trailing by 14 shots to 9 after 11 ends and changed around. However, Joy Squire and Mary Rayner continued to play accurately and were still 5 shots up at 18 ends. Joy and Mary closed out the match 19-14 at 20 ends.
2 Bowl Rinks:
Semi-final 1. This match between Valerie Holt, Shirley Lilley and Mary Gillam (Melton) and Marlene McGee, Emma Harris and Diane Painter (Lowestoft Railway) was a very close contest, concluding 15-14 in favour of the Lowestoft Railway triple.
Semi-final 2. The triple from Old Newton, Nickie Leeder, Angela Mondon and Sue Deeves, were outplayed by Helen Sharp, Joanne Clements and Donna Mills (Stone Lodge), who went on to win by 30 shots to 11.
Final: An extremely competitive final, delayed mid-game by an extreme downpour, saw Val, Shirley and Mary fight all the way against Helen, Joanne and Donna. A very high standard of bowling was intensified in the later ends, with the lead always in contention. 14-17 down going into the last end, the Lowestoft Railway ladies were only able to take two shots and lost the match 16-17.
3 Bowl Rinks:
Semi-final 1. Representing California, Hannah Brooks, Maria Brooks and Debbie. Allum, were against Val Holt, Shirley Lilley and Mary Gillam (Melton), who took control of the match and finished 18-13 ahead.
Semi-final 2. Maureen Wright, Elaine Curtis and Ann Oliver (Beccles Town) were against Shirley Plummer, Gill Lambert and Chloe Saunders (Rookery) in the second semi-final. The Rookery triple played strongly throughout the match to win 17-7.
Final: The final was initially a tight game with some good heads, but in the later ends Val, Shirley and Mary pulled away and the match concluded at 21-10.
Champion of Champions:
Semi-final 1. Joy Squire (Halesworth) had difficulty finding the green and Tracey Webb (Thornham Magna) played strongly to win 21-3.
Semi-final 2. The second semi-final was a closer match, but on-form bowler, Donna Mills (Stone Lodge), proved too accurate for June Alderton (Laxfield), resulting in a win 21-15.
Final: The early ends were closely-contested, but Donna pulled away mid-match to a position of 5 shots ahead (12-7). The game continued to be tight, but Tracey was unable to catch up and Donna came out the winner 21-15.
Under 25:
Semi-final 1. Georgie Watson-Sharp (Stone Lodge) won against Denaya Clark (Thurlton) by 21 shots to 15 in a closely contested match.
Semi-final 2. Megan Leeder (Old Newton) progressed to the final uncontested.
Final: Georgie was the more accurate player in the early ends, although scoring mostly single shots. Later in the game, Megan pressed hard to pull back from a five shot deficit at 16-11, but was unable to change the pattern of the game and Georgie became under 25 Champion by 21 shots to 17.
The Victrix Ludorum trophy won by Area C, was collected by Captain Ann Simpson
Competitions played by Ladies at the SCBA Finals at Laxfield BC, 20th / 21st July.
Unfortunately, no match reports are available for the SCBA semis and finals, but some photos from the semi-final competitions have been included in the photo gallery.
Under 25 Open Pairs:
Waldringfield competitors A. Ward and M. Carter were unable to match the strong play by C. Clarke (Stanton) and M.Catterwell (Hengrave) and went out 23-6 in the first semi-final. The other semi-finals involved only male players, with the final won by R. Hard and J. Sims.
Mixed Pairs:
Semi-final 1. D. Austin and M. Gillam (Melton) played a competitive game against A. Finch and K. Dyer (Thurlton), closing the match two shots ahead at 18-16.
Semi-final 2. Norbridge pairing J. Curl and L. Stevens played very accurately against T. Webb and J. Webb (Thorndon), finishing at 22-9.
Final. J. Curl and L. Stevens carried their excellent form forward into the final, in which they overcame D. Austin and M. Gillam by 24 shots to 7.
Senior Mixed Pairs:
Semi-final 1. A walkover for R. Felgate and E. Felgate (Otley).
Semi-final 2. A. Mondon and A. Chinery (Old Newton) were against P. Gooch and L. Alexander (Halesworth). They pulled comfortably ahead and won 19-12.
Final. A closely-fought match, won 14-13 by A. Mondon and A. Chinery in the last end.
Mixed Rinks:
Semi-final 1. Reigning champions S. Plummer, P. Bugg and D. Brown (Rookery) gained a well-fought win by 20 shots to 13 against C. Turner, A. Turner and A. Frost (Thurlton).
Semi-final 2. The second semi-final was also a close game with E. Euston, A. Euston and J. Burch ultimately proving more effective than M. Euston, A. Euston and A. Rowe, with a 20-15 win.
Final. The Suffolk Mixed Rinks Champions, S. Plummer, P. Bugg and D. Brown (Rookery), comfortably retained their title by 20 shots to 12 over E. Euston, A. Euston and J. Burch.
President Pauline Black with the Suffolk Championship Winners
Mixed Pairs Semi-final at Laxfield BC.
The Silver Jubilee Vase Team 2024
By WebsiteCoordinator 19/07/24 0 comments
For the bowlers of the Silver Jubilee Vase team, the re-arranged match against Norfolk, hosted by Haughley Bowls Club on 10th July, was their last opportunity to win the Southern Section and defend the National title they won last year. Suffolk needed to win three rinks and gain a greater total of shots than Norfolk, their nearest rivals in the section. The winning team would go forward to the National Finals in Skegness next month.
For most of the match Suffolk maintained a slight lead on total shots, but as the critical last ends were reached the Norfolk ladies closed the gap. The first two rinks to finish recorded comfortable wins for Suffolk, so just two points from a win on one of the last three rinks would win the match. Anxious County officials and supporters watched as the Suffolk bowlers struggled under the pressure. Two rinks fell too far behind to realistically win, leaving the match to be decided by rink 3, where the score was level going into the final end. As the skips changed ends, the Norfolk players were one shot ahead. Playing first, the Suffolk skip was unable to make any difference to the head. The final bowl remained for the Norfolk skip, but poor communication resulted in her playing her last wood when she didn’t need to. The jack was knocked across to a Suffolk bowl, giving away the match and the place in the National Finals! The match result was 14 points to Suffolk, 4 to Norfolk.
The Donald Steward team concluded their season on 17th July at Ixworth Bowls Club. Without any wins so far, Suffolk were hoping for better against North Essex and a win was achieved overall. Unfortunately, shot difference compared with Northants left them bottom of the Southern Section.
By WebsiteCoordinator 10/07/24 0 comments
SCWBA ladies from across Suffolk met up at the delightful location of Felixstowe & Suffolk Bowling Club at the invitation of Mrs Pauline Black, SCWBA President. While the welcoming speeches were being made dark clouds glowered overhead, but this did not dampen the spirits of the assembled bowlers (including two borrowed gentlemen). The annual match between the President’s team and the President Elect’s team soon got underway.
Fortunately, the bowlers remained largely dry and even enjoyed sunshine, until a cloudburst of hail closed the event while two rinks were still to finish. However, the result was never in doubt.
After the match players were treated to a tasty meal of meat salad accompanied by a wide variety of cold dishes and warm new potatoes, with cheesecake or fruit to follow. Our place settings, carefully designed by Pauline, each with an attractive gift bag, certainly added to the sense of occasion.
The meal concluded with a raffle, followed by thanks and gifts from Pauline to all those involved in making it such a successful day, especially Lesley, Donna and Pauline’s daughter. Ann Simpson presented Pauline with a lovely decanter on behalf of the SCWBA. Donations in aid of Pauline’s charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, came to a total of £140.
A gallery of pictures from President's Day may be found Here