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
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
By WebsiteCoordinator 04/07/24 0 comments
'Our President Pauline and Treasurer Beverly were invited to a Thank You Event held at St Elizabeth's Hospice, Foxhall Road, Ipswich on Monday 01st July 2024. Pauline had chosen St Elizabeth's Hospice as her chosen charity for her Presidents Day held in June. Chloe and Carl of the Hospice thanked Pauline for her kind donation and presented Pauline with her Certificate of thanks.
By WebsiteCoordinator 04/07/24 0 comments
The County Finals Program is available under 'Competitions' 'County Finals'.
President Pauline Black with officials and players at the practice match at Ixworth Bowls Club
The winning Donald Steward rink, Joy Squire, Pauline Anderson and Margaret Thorpe
By WebsiteCoordinator 30/05/24 0 comments
The Suffolk County Women’s Bowls Association has changed the location of County matches to Area D for 2024 to 2027. Ixworth Bowls Club is hosting the Donald Steward Team, while the Silver Jubilee Vase is playing their matches at Haughley Bowls Club. Following the SCWBA trials held at Haughley and a practice game at Ixworth, the two Norfolk teams arrived on Wednesday 22nd May for the first County matches of the season.
Unfortunately, although all was made ready at the clubs, the weather was beyond the organisers’ control. The free-draining green at Ixworth BC was equal to the conditions and a full match was played. However. Ann Craigie, SJV Team Captain, reports that “due to the weather conditions on the day we must thank Haughley’s grounds men who worked tirelessly to get us on the green, but after 5/6 ends we had to abandon the game as the heavy rain returned and this became a health & safety issue for the teams”. The rearranged date is Wednesday 10th July 1pm.
Norfolk, always strong opponents, were on form for the Donald Steward match, winning by 106 shots to 90, picking up 16 points to Suffolk’s 2. Suffolk’s winning rink was Joy Squire, Pauline Anderson and Margaret Thorpe, 26 - 17. The teams enjoyed an excellent meal together after the game. The Donald Steward and the Silver Jubilee Vase teams are next playing away against Northants on 5th June and return to their home greens on 19th June v Hunts.
The Norfolk Officials with DS Team Captain Barbara Rushbrook, President Pauline Black and President Elect Donna Mills welcomed
Amy Finch considers her shot in the Ladies Singles
Amy Finch and Ann Lennie survey the head
Margaret Thorpe playing in the Senior Ladies Singles
A close call for Margaret Thorpe
By WebsiteCoordinator 03/05/24 0 comments
Winners of the Suffolk County Women’s Bowls Association Indoor Finals in March represented the County at the National Indoor Championships in Lincoln. They were supported by SCWBA President, Pauline Black and other officials from the Association, as well as officials from the SCBA. Please note that your reporter was present only on Wednesday 24th April, so full details and photos can only be included for the matches seen.
Ladies Singles:
Our Ladies Singles Champion, Amy Finch, found herself in a challenging first round match against the very experienced, Ann Lennie from Northumberland. Amy was four shots down after two ends, but a two scored in the 3rd end and one in the 4th got her into the match. Ann then started to pull away and Amy was five shots down after the 9th end. However, she fought back well, casting longer jacks when she had the opportunity and responding strongly when Ann won an end. After the 17th end Ann was four shots ahead (12-16), but two excellent ends saw Amy draw level, and then go ahead by one shot in the 20th. Success in the next two ends despite nervy play by both competitors, took Amy to a lead of 19-16. Sadly, Ann gained one shot in the next end and with it, the jack. The last three ends of the game saw Ann casting minimum length jacks, which achieved her objective of unsettling Amy and the match concluded at 19-21.
Senior Ladies Singles:
Margaret Thorpe was drawn against a competitor from Hunts. It was a slow start for Margaret struggling with her weight and her first score came with her last wood in the third end. The fifth end was closely contested, with Margaret’s third wood closing in on the jack, only to be moved off by her own final wood, so she gained just one shot and was still 6-2 behind. As the match progressed Margaret began to play the tricky side rink more competitively, but was still inconsistent. The 11th end proved particularly difficult for Margaret and she went down a four, resulting in a 16-5 lead for her opponent. At 18-7 down Margaret fought back and took the next four ends, closing the score to 18-12 down. This lengthy game continued several ends further with Margaret in the ascendancy, but ultimately unable to catch her opponent before she finished off the game. The final score was 21-17.
Ladies Pairs:
Suffolk champions, Sue Long and Julie Filby, did not start their campaign until Thursday 25th April. Up against a Northants pairing, they had an emphatic win, 23-8 to progress into the second round. Their second-round match was played later the same day. Playing a strong pair from Durham, ultimately defeated finalists, the Suffolk ladies were unable to repeat their earlier success and went out of the competition 6-22.
Ladies Rinks:
Having reached the Ladies Rinks final last year, Amy Finch, Pauline Wright and Janice Brackenbury were out to go one better, but a disappointing match saw them knocked out in the first round. Our ladies started well, but then flagged for a few ends and found themselves well down. Towards the end of the match they started to turn things around, but had left their effort too late and went out 13-21.
Mixed Pairs:
Our Suffolk Champions, Sandi Steed and Martin Rumball had a difficult return to Lincoln, where they had two good wins to reach the semi-final last year. This year they had to wait for their round 2 match, which was a no-show walkover against Cleveland, so they again reached the sem-final, but without any previous play. A strong start against Humberside saw them reach 6-6, but their opponents took over the match and ultimately win 22-8. Humberside went on to take the Championship 21-16 against North Cambs.
Mixed Rinks:
Adam Turner, Chelsea Turner and Rob Kerry got off to a good start on Tuesday with an excellent win 24-14 against Northumberland. Later in the day they came up against Norfolk, who proved to be tougher opponents, in round 2 and their competition ended 26-6.
SCBA officials with SCWBA Ladies (l to R), President Pauline Black, Donna Mills and Lesley Dyer
By WebsiteCoordinator 12/04/24 0 comments
Following the successful Indoor Finals last year, held jointly with the SCBA, the SCWBA finals were again integrated, this time with the ladies playing their semi-finals and finals over the two days. Special thanks are due to Sue Rochard and Kim Dyer for their efficient organisation. The SCWBA is also grateful to Ipswich and District Bowls Club, the sponsors of the individual competitions and all umpires and markers.
Click here for a gallery of photos of the County Champions
Ladies 4 Bowl Senior Singles:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
Margaret Thorpe v Amy Finch. Result 12 - 20
Pauline Wright v Christine Anderson. Result 21 - 15
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
Pauline Wright v Amy Finch. Result 5 - 21
After four semi-finals played on Saturday, in which she reached the finals of all, Pauline Wright began her second busy day with a challenging match against Amy Finch. The match went Amy’s way through consistent strong play, although Pauline fought to the end with good quality bowling.
Two Bowl Mixed Rinks:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
M.Rumble, Sandi Steed, S Gaught v P.Hurren, N.Roberts, Lesley Dyer. Result 22 - 10
M.Smith, P.Smith, Sally Smith v A.Turner, Chelsea Turner, R.Kerry. Result 16 - 22
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
M.Rumble, Sandi Steed, S Gaught v Adam Turner, Chelsea Turner, Robert Kerry. Result 15 - 16
Strong performances in the semi-finals led to expectation of a high-quality final. The audience were not disappointed. Sandi Steed’s trio went comfortably ahead in the early ends and their 4 shot lead at 9 ends extended to a lead of 12 shots to 5 after the 11th end. However, a three in the 12th end put Chelsea Turner’s team in the ascendancy. An Umpire measure in the 13th end resulted in a further shot to the Thurlton BC players, now just 12-9 down and by the 14th end it was 12 shots all. The next two ends went to Sandi’s team resulting in a 3 shot lead after 16 ends, but Thurlton were not done and scored a three in the 17th to set up a thrilling last end. Their momentum took them through to win by one shot in a skilful match that neither side deserved to lose.
Ladies Triples:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
Pauline Wright, Janet Brackenbury, Amy Finch v Paula Gooch, Gillian Lamprey, Margaret Thorpe. Result 23 - 12
Julie Filby, Sue Long, Sue Rochard v Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck, Glenis Harvey. Result 10 - 11
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
Pauline Wright, Janet Brackenbury, Amy Finch v Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck, Glenis Harvey. Result 29 - 5
Although Pauline Anderson’s triple got off to a good start winning the first two ends, the skill and team work of the reigning champions proved too strong for her team. Pauline, Janet and Amy pulled away to a commanding lead and were 21-5 up after 12 ends, with the match concluding at 16 ends.
Mixed Pairs:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
June Andrews, D.Andrews v Sally Smith, P.Smith. Result 17 - 15
Paula Gooch, K.Dyer v M.Rumball, Sandi Steed. Result 6 - 18
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
June Andrews, D.Andrews v M.Rumball, Sandi Steed. Result 11 - 31
Defending champions, Martin Rumball and Sandi Steed, played with skill and confidence to dominate the majority of ends in this final, although June and Dennis Andrews fought back with some excellent shots as the match concluded.
Ladies Pairs:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
Julie Filby, Sue Long v Lorraine George, Christina Dunn. Result 29 - 8
Pauline Anderson, Diane Muirhead v Pauline Wright, Janice Brackenbury. Result 19 - 21
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
Julie Filby, Sue Long v Pauline Wright, Janice Brackenbury. Result 8 – 20
The final got off to a competitive start, but the match swung in favour of Julie and Sue. Already 7 shots ahead after 12 ends (5-12), a four in the 13th end, followed by a two the following end secured a winning position for the Thurlton BC pairing.
Ladies Senior Singles:
Semi-Finals (Saturday 2nd March)
Pauline Wright v Sue Rochard. Result 21 - 5
Lorraine George v Margaret Thorpe. Result 17 - 21
Final (Sunday 3rd March)
Pauline Wright v Margaret Thorpe Result 14 – 21
Playing in her fourth final of the day, Pauline Wright played a spirited match, but Margaret Thorpe had fresh legs and an excellent record in this championship. Margaret pulled away to an early 5-shot lead, but Pauline fought back, with the score at 10 ends close at 6-7. In the later stages, Margaret pulled further away, although Pauline was always in contention and the match concluded with a very close head in the 25th end.
The Ladies Pairs Trophy is presented to Julie Filby and Sue Long by Donna Mills, Pauline Black and Sue Rochard (Match Secretary)
Ladies 4 Bowl Senior Singles
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks Final. Chelsea Turner, Robert Kerry, Martin Rumball and Sandi Steed
Margaret Beck, Glenis Harvey, Pauline Wright and Amy Finch, Ladies Triples Final
Sandi Steed and June Andrews in the Mixed Pairs Final
Ladies Pairs Final. Skips Julie Filby and Janice Brackenbury
Ladies Senior Singles Final. Pauline Wright and Margaret Thorpe
By WebsiteCoordinator 02/03/24 0 comments
The Semi-Final and Finals of the 2024 indoor ladies competitions are now available under competitions. For Mixed results please see the SCBA website.
By Sally Smith 31/10/23 0 comments
Once again, SCWBA members, partners and friends met up at Bramford Golf Centre to celebrate the successes of the season. President, Jenny Ronchetti, was delighted to welcome EWBF President, Elaine Haddon-Holmes and SCBA President, David Lyas to share our luncheon. We were also pleased that Past President, Rosemary Gyford, was able to join us.
After an excellent meal we heard first from David Lyas who commented on his year as SCBA President, now so nearly at a close. David paid tribute to the success of the County Teams, said how much he had enjoyed the excellent company of the ladies at Skegness and toasted the SCWBA. Our outgoing President, Jennie Ronchetti, responded with a review of her second year as President, which was so special because both our teams played in the finals at Skegness. Ultimately, only the Silver Jubilee Vase Team were to bring back the trophy, but both teams did so well to reach the finals and the Donald Steward team played a very creditable match in difficult conditions. Our representatives in the Senior Pairs, Di Miller and Christine Woollard, came away with the runner’s up trophy (on display with the Silver Jubilee Vase and the Donald Steward runner’s up trophy on the top table).
The toast to our guests was proposed by Pauline Black, SCWBA President Elect. Pauline referred to the particularly busy time working alongside Jenny at Skegness to congratulate and support the Suffolk bowlers. She is looking forward to her Presidency next year.
Elaine Haddon-Holmes responded to Pauline’s toast to the guests, referring to her first contact with the Suffolk officials at the National Indoor Championships at Lincoln, with friendships renewed at Skegness. Her own experiences at Lincoln included being served breakfast by a robot at her B&B! She was very pleased that Suffolk had got the better of Derbyshire’s old adversaries, Lincolnshire, in the Silver Jubilee Vase final.
The trophies were presented by Jenny Ronchetti, Elaine Haddon-Holmes and Pauline Black, with the efficient assistance of Jane Pitcher, the County Finals Coordinator. Sadly, the serious flooding of the previous day prevented some of the County winners from attending the luncheon to receive their awards. The Victrix Ludorum trophy for the outdoor finals was presented to Lesley Dyer for Area A.
The presentations to the runners-up and winners of the individual outdoor and indoor competitions were followed by gifts for members of the two County Teams and their captains, Barbara Rushbrook and Ann Craigie. The thimbles were presented to Elaine Peck, Margie Robinson and Elaine Felgate (DS) and Paula, Gooch, Pauline Anderson and Lesley Alexander (SJV). The members of the victorious Area D team in the Ellen Matthews competition were also congratulated.
Chairman Linda Nunn then announced that a new presentation was to be made. Our former Treasurer, Sue Boorman, and her sister Pam Ward had generously presented a crystal vase when they left Suffolk, to be presented to the Silver Jubilee Vase Team on the occasion of winning the National Final. It had taken a few years, but the lovely trophy could now be presented to Ann Craigie.
Finally, a 100 County Games badge was awarded to Paula Gooch. Linda then thanked Jane Pitcher for all her work on competitions and Ann Craigie for organising the luncheon. Looking forward to the AGM on 28th October, Linda asked for the assembled SCWBA ladies to give serious consideration as to whether they would be prepared to stand for any of the large number of positions currently without nominations.
The luncheon was enjoyed by 82 attendees. The well-supported raffle in aid of the SCWBA, organised by Veronica Southey, raised £312.
By WebsiteCoordinator 26/09/23 0 comments
The Annual General Meeting of the Suffolk County Women's Bowls Association will take place on Saturday 28th October 2023 at Felixstowe & Suffolk Bowls Club, IP11 2DJ commencing at 10.30am.
Click on the document that you wish to view: AGM 2022, Agenda, Proposals, Invitation.