By Jenny Ronchetti, Jane Pitcher 20/09/23 0 comments
The Novice Competition this year took place at Wenhaston Bowls Club. Although the morning started foggy and damp, the sun came through and we had a wonderful warm day.
Eight ladies took part, each playing three games of two trial ends and ten ends of full play.
Our two finalists as a result of this play were Lizzi Wood of Fressingfield BC and Jane Nicholls of Lowestoft Railway BC. The final was a full game to 21 shots, marked by President Jenny Ronchetti. It was a very good and competitive game, won by Lizzi Woods.
Thanks go to Linda Nunn and Jane Pitcher for the organisation of the competition and also to Mike Nunn, Umpire for the day. We were once again well looked after by Wenhaston BC, with excellent facilities and refreshments throughout.
Click here for additional photos of this enjoyable competition
By Sally Smith 18/09/23 0 comments
The complete report on the Skegness Finals is now available.
Click here to access a gallery of photos from the Finals week.
As previously reported, 2023 had already been a successful year for SCWBA Ladies, with our teams reaching the National Finals of both the Donald Steward and the Silver Jubilee Vase competitions. The Silver Jubilee Vase Final on Saturday morning saw Suffolk up against Lincolnshire. At five ends, Suffolk were leading by 6 shots and by the 15th had extended their lead to 25 shots.
Continued pressure from our ladies eventually ensured a comfortable win overall by 121 shots to 83. Well done to Ann Craigie and her enthusiastic team!
The Donald Steward Team began their afternoon match with hopes of emulating the Silver Jubilee Vase ladies, but, unfortunately, they came up against a strong side from Humberside. Playing on a green which was very far from ideal, our ladies struggled to find the lines on a patchy surface frequently lacking grass. Humberside went into an early lead, which they sustained throughout, although Suffolk came back at them in the later stages of the match.
In a closer than anticipated finish, Suffolk won one rink, with losses by just one shot on two other rinks. The final score was Humberside 124, Suffolk 101. Team Captain, Barbara Rushbrook, was immensely proud of their performance in challenging playing conditions.
After the disappointment of the match, further upset resulted from the hurried presentation, which was commenced without Barbara Rushbrook and Margaret Thorpe, with several players rushing to be presented late to the officials. A complaint was made by the SCWBA to the National Federation.
Individual Competitions.
In continuing fine weather and with optimism arising from the success at the weekend, our ladies went forward into their competitions, which were to take Suffolk players into three semi-final matches and forward to two finals.
2 Bowl Singles: Angela Mondon, Old Newton
Angela had to wait for her first-round match until Thursday morning. Having despatched the Lincolnshire competitor 21-19 in a well-fought match, Angela was soon in action again against N. Cambs. This proved another close match, which unfortunately did not go in Angela’s favour. At 20-18 ahead, she was hoping that her shot wood was enough to take the match, but her opponents second wood just trickled in to take one shot, which was then followed by a 2 in the next end to progress to the semi-final.
4 Bowl Singles: Elaine Peck, Wenhaston
This year the individual competitions commenced on Monday afternoon and Elaine was straight off against the N. Cambs. competitor. Unfortunately, Elaine was unable to get into her game and lost 21-10, but went out knowing that she would also be competing in the Mixed Senior Pairs later in the week.
Under 25 Singles: Daisy Spooner, Hollesley
Daisy received a bye into round 2, where she met a talented young player from Huntingdonshire, who had also qualified for the two and four bowl competitions. By the sixth end Daisy was four shots behind, but she continued to play in good spirit and with excellent concentration while her opponent pulled steadily ahead. The result, 21-10, saw her opponent through to the semi-final, subsequently to become the U25 Champion.
Senior Singles: Christine Aldous, Thorndon
Christine’s first-round match was against Huntingdonshire. A good 21-17 win took her through to a second-round match on Thursday against the N.Essex representative. Christine powered to an early lead, which she never looked like losing and finished the game 21-7 to secure a place in Friday’s semi-final. Christine got off to a slower start in the semi-final and was trailing 20-13 when she came back well against her opponent who struggled to win that one last shot. Sadly, time ran out for Christine and her experienced opponent from Nottinghamshire eventually concluded the match when Christine was just three shots behind, 21-18. Her opponent went forward to win the Championship.
Secretaries Singles: Jackie Whitlock, Otley
After gaining the County championship, it was a great disappointment to Jackie that an arm injury prevented her from competing at the Skegness Finals this year. Sadly, she missed taking her place in the Donald Steward Team Final, the Pairs and the Secretaries Singles competitions.
Champion of Champions: Sue Hender
The Suffolk representative, Sue Hender, had a bye in round 1 and didn’t play until Thursday afternoon. Her match against Humberside was initially close, but her opponent steadily pulled away and Sue lost 14-21.
Pairs: Elaine Felgate and Charlie Felgate, Otley
With Jackie Whitlock unable to play, Elaine’s daughter, Charlie, very ably took her place. The Felgate’s round 1 match was close for the first half of the game, but their opponents from Humberside applied pressure in the later stages and pulled away to win by 5 shots, 15-10.
Senior Pairs: Di Miller and Christine Woollard, Hadleigh
Di and Christine entered the competition with a second-round match against Durham. Ahead by one shot at 9 ends, they found themselves down by 5 shots at 14 ends (10-15). However, Di and Christine fought back determinedly and drew level by the 17th end. With Durham unable to take another shot, the Suffolk ladies were rewarded with a win 21-15. Di and Christine were up against N. Cambs in their semi-final on Friday morning. This proved to be a very tight game, with Suffolk 6-10 down at 12 ends. Our ladies changed position and by 18 ends they were 3 shots down (15-12). As in their previous match, persistence paid off and they pulled up to just one shot behind going into the last end. A further one shot to Suffolk resulted in a dramatic extra end, which required an Umpire measure to see Di and Christine through to the final. Up against a strong Hunts pair, Di and Christine were trailing for much of the final, but kept themselves in contention. A three in the 17th end brought them within three shots at 12-15. In the 18th end a skilful shot from Christine took a one, which was then snatched back in the 19th by Hunts. Sadly, the match concluded at 13-18 when Hunts finished with two shots close to the jack. At the presentations afterwards Christine and Di discovered that the runners-up receive a trophy.
Mixed Pairs: Rachelle Barber and Jason Smith, Bramford
In their second-round match, Rachelle and Jason were up against Hunts. In the early stages they fell behind, but forced their way back into the game as it progressed to be 3 shots ahead with two ends to go. The match eventually went to an extra end, but one shot to Hunts determined the semi-finalists.
Senior Mixed Pairs: Elaine Peck and Chris Peck, Wenhaston
Playing in the first round on Tuesday, Elaine and Chris played a couple from Cleveland. After nine ends they were 10-5 in the lead and they maintained their good form to keep comfortably ahead. The final score of 17-11 took them through to meet Norfolk in the next round. At 11 ends, just one shot down at 7-8, their opponents applied pressure and the Suffolk pair found themselves losing a succession of ends by just one shot. Although the final ends were closer, Elaine and Chris lost by 11-17.
2 Bowl Rinks and 3 Bowl Rinks: Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck and Gillian Lamprey, Lowestoft Railway
Suffolk was represented in both competitions by the trio from Lowestoft Railway, Pauline, Margaret and Gillian. The 3 bowl rinks, round 1, was played on Monday afternoon. Sadly, Norfolk proved too strong for our ladies, who went out 20-9. Tuesday morning saw Suffolk in the 2 bowl rinks first round up against Lincolnshire in a much more closely-contested match. Pauline, Margaret and Gillian started strongly, scoring six shots in the first two ends. They held a good lead in the early ends, and at 10 ends they were still ahead by 11-8. However, Lincs came back at them and were four shots ahead at 14 ends having just scored a 3. After scoring a 1 in the 19th, Suffolk took a three-shot deficit into the last end. Great play by Pauline and Margaret had put Suffolk three shots ahead as they changed ends. After great deliberation Gillian played to put pressure on the Lincs skip’s last wood by adding her own last wood to the count, leaving Suffolk in a potentially match-winning position. However, to the dismay of Pauline and Margaret, her shot changed the head and Suffolk went out 19-17.
2 Bowl Mixed Rinks: Shirley Plummer, Paul Bugg and David Brown, Rookery
A bye to the second round helped our mixed triple to get underway, but they had no difficulty in achieving a comfortable win over Norfolk by 23 shots to 13 to gain a semi-final place against North Cambs. The semi-final against North Cambs. was a competitive match, with Suffolk just one shot down at end 11. In the later stages the triples built up really tight heads, but Suffolk started to pull away and at 17 ends they were five shots ahead. However, North Cambs. were not to be dismissed easily and came back to within three shots on the 20th end. Shirley, Paul and David held their nerve and took one shot on the last end to progress to the final 21-17. The Mixed Rinks final against Hunts started fairly evenly, although Suffolk’s cause was certainly helped by gaining 5 shots in the 15th end. In the 18th end, with Suffolk just one shot in the lead, Hunts were holding 2, but David’s second shot was perfectly weighted and came into the head to take the end. Unfortunately, in a tight head, Hunts won 2 in the 19th end to level up at 17 all. In the 20th end Shirley did well to take the jack away from the shot bowl and David later made it 2 for Suffolk. The final end, sadly, went in favour of Hunts with the narrowest of wins. David’s second wood finished short of the head allowing Hunts to keep their 3 shots advantage they needed for the championship.
With Suffolk ladies involved in two finals and a semi-final, 2023 was a nearly year in the individual competitions for the County. Next year’s National Finals will again be in Skegness and it is to be hoped that the greens will be in better playing condition than they were this year. Perhaps 2024 will see one or more of these championships coming to Suffolk, as well as hopefully finding success again in the County team competitions.
The Silver Jubilee Vase is presented to Team Captain, Ann Craigie
The Donald Steward Team assemble ahead of their match against Humberside.
By WebsiteCoordinator 01/09/23 0 comments
For a copy of the menu please click here.
By WebsiteCoordinator 22/08/23 0 comments
The Competitions section contains final results of those National Finals in which Ladies are involved.
The Donald Steward Team assemble ahead of their match against Humberside.
By Sally Smith 20/08/23 0 comments
2023 has already been a successful year at the National Finals for SCWBA Ladies, with our teams reaching the finals of both the Donald Steward and the Silver Jubilee Vase competitions. The Silver Jubilee Vase Final on Saturday morning saw Suffolk up against Lincolnshire. At five ends, Suffolk were leading by 6 shots and by the 15th had extended their lead to 25 shots. Continued pressure from our ladies eventually ensured a comfortable win overall by 121 shots to 83. Well done to Ann Craigie and her enthusiastic team!
The Donald Steward Team began their afternoon match with hopes of emulating the Silver Jubilee Vase ladies, but, unfortunately, they came up against a strong side from Humberside. Playing on a green which was very far from ideal, our ladies struggled to find the lines on a patchy surface frequently lacking grass. Humberside went into an early lead, which they sustained throughout, although Suffolk came back at them in the later stages of the match. In a closer than anticipated finish, Suffolk won one rink, with losses by just one shot on two other rinks. The final score was Humberside 124, Suffolk 101. Team Captain, Barbara Rushbrook, was immensely proud of their performance in challenging playing conditions.
After the disappointment of the match, further upset resulted from the hurried presentation, which was commenced without Barbara Rushbrook and Margaret Thorpe, with several players rushing to be presented late to the officials. This resulted in a complaint from the SCWBA to the National Federation.
The Silver Jubilee Vase Team celebrate their win.
The Silver Jubilee Vase is presented to Team Captain, Ann Craigie
By Sally Smith 31/07/23 0 comments
The Ellen Matthews trophy concluded on Saturday 29th July, hosted by Wenhaston Bowls Club. The third and fourth place positions between Areas A and C were played for at 10am, followed by the final between Areas B and D at 2pm.
Areas A and C were initially closely-matched, with a difference of just 9 shots at 15 ends, however Area A pulled away strongly toward the end of the match. Already ahead 97-117 at 20 ends, the last end saw 13 shots added to their total, securing a win by 130 shots to 97.
The area A triple Karen King, Jen Daley and Lyn Thornton won the thimbles by 30 shots to 13 and Diane Miller, Anne Balcombe and Sue Saunders received the Area C thimbles by 22-17.
The final was also a competitive match. By the fifth end Area D were 9 shots in the lead, but area B came back strongly to achieve a three shot lead by 10 ends. The match continued to be closely-fought, but the later stages went firmly to Area D. By the conclusion of the game area D had changed a deficit into 23 shots in favour, with a win by 121 shots to 98.
The Area D thimbles were won by Sally Smith, Jayne Mewis and Christine Aldous, 24 shots to 8, and Sue Kemp, Mel Smith and Kylie Smith, with a win 21-18, received the Area B thimbles.
The Ellen Matthews shield was presented by President Jenny Ronchetti to Area D Secretary, Jo Whatling. It was a happy conclusion to an excellent day’s bowling.
Linda Nunn, President Jenny Ronchetti, Pauline Black and Donna Mills
Semi-finals in progress at Wenhaston Bowls Club
By WebsiteCoordinator 28/07/23 0 comments
The County Finals were played on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July at Wenhaston Bowls Club, where the competitors were made very welcome. We were treated to fine weather on Saturday, but wet conditions for much of the day made Sunday very challenging. Heavy rain also affected the SCBA finals for most of Saturday afternoon. Happily, Sunday was largely dry. Championship winners progress to play for Suffolk in the National Finals in Skegness, 19th – 26th August.
Click here to access a gallery of photos from the County Finals.
2 Wood:
First semi-final. Elaine Felgate (Dennington) overcame Georgie Marwood (Thurlton) by 21 shots to 16. Second semi-final. Angela Mondon (Old Newton) comfortably won 21-10 against Donna Mills (Stone Lodge), playing in her second semi-final of the day.
Final: The final was a very close match initially, with rarely more than a couple of shots difference, but Angela pulled ahead later in the game. There was a measure for shot at 19-12, which went Angela’s way and she closed the match on the next end, 21-12.
4 Wood:
First semi-final. Ann Lilley (Ixworth) played confidently to win by 21-11 against Joanne Clements (Stone Lodge) Second semi-final. Elaine Peck (Wenhaston) had a good win against Melanie Smith (Waldringfield) 21-13.
Final: Played in the heavy rain, the final proved difficult for Ann, who wasn’t able to get into her game. On her home green, Elaine Peck played with confidence and her accuracy produced a win by 21 shots to 8.
Senior Singles:
First semi-final. The result was rarely in doubt for Christine Aldous (Thorndon), whose consistently accurate play took her to a 21-8 win over Sharon Kitchener (Hollesley). Second semi-final. Debbie Allum (California) played strongly against Margaret Beck (Lowestoft Railway), but was ultimately disappointed to lose 21-17.
Final: Christine Aldous’s excellent form was maintained in the final. Initially well behind, Margaret fought back later in the game. At 19-12 Christine drew the two shots she needed to take the Championship 21 shots to 12.
Secretaries Singles:
First semi-final. Donna Mills (Stone Lodge) was up against Jackie Whitlock (Otley). A 21-15 win for Jackie took her to the final. Second semi-final. This match was not played due to Claire Ransome (Hopton) being unwell so Sue Rochard (Blundeston) went through.
Final: The final proved to be a very closely-fought. Sue was one shot up at 15-14 after 24 ends and gained a further shot advantage in the next end. However, Jackie then surged forward with two consecutive 2’s and an umpire’s measure resulted in a further shot to Jackie. At 16-19 down Sue secured a further shot, but the game concluded in the 30th end, 21-19 to Jackie as the rain came down.
Pairs:
First semi-final. Gloria Scott and Daphne Fane (Westerfield) were against Chelsea Turner and Georgie Marwood (Thurlton). A close game saw the Thurlton pairing pull away to a 31-15 win. Second semi-final. Elaine Felgate and Jackie Whitlock (Otley) both playing in their second match of the day were too strong for Tracy Webb and Maureen Lummis (Thorndon) and progressed to the final by 19 -11.
Final: Unfortunately, Georgie Marwood was not able to play and her substitution by Sue Long put the Thurlton pairing on the back foot. They were never able to get into their game and the match concluded at 14 ends with a 20 shots to 5 win for Elaine Felgate and Jackie Whitlock.
Senior Pairs:
First semi-final. Pat Jennings and Ann Lilley (Ixworth) were against Di Miller and Christine Woollard (Hadleigh). A close match ended with a 18-16 win to Di and Christine. Second semi-final. The Woodbridge pair, Kathy James and Maggie Page, played a strong match to achieve a win by 21 shots to 7 against Lesley Dyer and Sue Rochard, (Blundeston).
Final: The final was initially close, but the defending champions Di and Christine pulled away dominantly against Kathy and Maggie to retain their title by 21 shots to 11.
2 Bowl Rinks:
First semi-final. This match between Valerie Holt, Shirley Lilley and Mary Gillam (Melton) and Nickie Leeder, Angela Mondon and Megan Leeder (Old Newton) was a well-fought contest, level at 4 each after 6 ends and level again at 14 ends after Old Newton had been edging ahead. At 18 ends it was 16-12 to Melton, but Old Newton pulled back to just one shot behind going into the last end. The three shots gained took Old Newton through to the final. Second semi-final. Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck and Gillian Lamprey (Lowestoft Railway) took on Mandy Rosier, Lisa Hard and Emma Euston (Ipswich) in a match of high-quality bowling and colourful woods, which was ultimately disappointing for the Ipswich ladies. The final score was 23-12 to Lowestoft Railway.
Final: The Old Newton ladies got off to a strong start and were 6 shots up after five ends. Their lead was reduced to 10-7 after 8 ends and all was level 14-14 at 14 ends. The Lowestoft Railway triple dealt better with the difficult conditions and pulled ahead later in the game, winning by 24 shots to 16.
3 Bowl Rinks:
First semi-final. Jenny Ronchetti, Pat Jennings and Ann Lilley (Ixworth) were 8-19 down at 12 ends, but kept pressure on their opponents Helen Sharp, Joanne Clements and Donna Mills (Stone Lodge). In a competitive game, Helen, Joanne and Donna progressed to the final by 21 shots to 16. Second semi-final. The Lowestoft Railway ladies, Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck and Gillian Lamprey, pulled away steadily from Valerie Holt, Shirley Lilley and Mary Gillam (Melton) to a 5 shot lead at 10 ends. This tight game concluded with a 16 shot to 11 win for Lowestoft Railway.
Final: The match commenced in heavy rain, but the ladies played skilfully despite the difficulties. The first half of the game was one-sided in favour of the Stone Lodge ladies, but when Lowestoft Railway changed Gillian to skip, late pressure resulted in a win for Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck and Gillian Lamprey by 14 shots to 12.
Champion of Champions:
First semi-final. Kylie Smith (Waldringfield) won comfortably against Gillian Lamprey (LR) by 21-10. Second semi-final. Not played due to Suzanne Deeves being unfit. Sue Hender progressed to the final.
Final: The early ends were closely-contested, but Sue built on an early lead to win 21-9 against Kylie.
Under 25:
First semi-final. Played between Hannah Brooks (California) and Megan Leeder (Old Newton). With Hannah initially well in command, Megan found her green and steadily pulled back from being 15-3 down. Eventually Hannah’s lead proved too much for Megan and she won the match 21-18. Second semi-final. Daisy Spooner (Hollesley) was the dominant player in this semi-final against India Bell (Halesworth) and the result did not look in doubt as Daisy progressed towards a 21-9 win.
Final: Hannah and Daisy produced a skilful and exciting final for their supporters to watch, played in a friendly spirit. Hannah was the stronger player in the early ends, but Daisy got into her game and gradually pulled back to 15 all and then on to 20-16. However, Hannah did not make it easy for her, scoring a two, the second shot confirmed by the Umpire. Shots close to the jack were traded in the next end, with Hannah’s second wood claiming shot wood. Even the final end was close with both players pulling in beside the jack, but Hannah just failed to beat Daisy’s shot wood and the match was won 21-19.
Competitions played by Ladies at the SCBA Finals at Ipswich & District BC, 22nd-23rd July
Open Pairs:
One of the semi-finals involved Megan Leeder, playing with Aaron Carter against Ryan Hard and Joe Sims. The Old Newton pairing played well against the eventual champions, keeping close in the early ends, but Ryan and Joe used their experience to pull away to a final score of 21-10.
Mixed Pairs:
First semi-final. June Alderton and Michael Last (Laxfield) were against Julie Filby and Matthew Filby (Thurlton). The first half of the match was extremely competitive, with the score level 10-10 at 12 ends. However, the Thurlton bowlers took control in the later stages of the game to win 21 shots to 15. Second semi-final. This match also started very evenly and saw Rachelle Barber and Jason Smith (Bramford) level 7-7 with Pat Jennings and Mark James after 6 ends. The Bramford pairing then pulled strongly ahead to a lead of 11 shots by the twelfth end and the match concluded at 28-11 to Rachelle and Jason.
Final: The early stages of the final were closely-fought, but Rachelle and Jason took control with a three in the 18th end putting them six shots ahead. They continued to apply pressure denying their opponents any further shots. The final result was a win for Rachelle and Jason by 24 -12 over Julie and Matthew.
Senior Mixed Pairs:
First semi-final. All level, with 8 shots each after 9 ends, this semi-final proved to be a close and well-played match. Sue Saunders and Jamie Leeks pulled away to a 3 shot lead at 13 ends but Angela Mondon and Adrian Chinnery gained momentum and pulled level, 17 shots each, after 19 ends. The conclusion of the game went one-way with Angela and Adrian progressing to the final by 21-17. Second semi-final. Maggie Page and Stephen Atwell (Woodbridge) commenced their game against Elaine Peck and Chris Peck (Wenhaston) as the rain intensified. It was to be a one-sided game, which Maggie and Stephen never managed to get into, finally losing to Elaine and Chris by 22 shots to 3
Final: The final was a match of two parts, as Angela and Adrian started off very strongly. Although they were 7-1 up initially, they succumbed to the pressure of the occasion and skilful play by their opponents, who went ahead in the 16th end by 11 shots to 10. The Championship was won 22-10 by Elaine Peck and Chris Peck.
Mixed Rinks:
First semi-final. Donna Mills, Scott Thurston and Colin Sharp (Stone Lodge) were against Paula Gooch, P. Utting and Andrew Birch (Halesworth). The Halesworth triple went into an early lead on which they built during the match to come out 27-10 winners. Second semi-final. June Alderton, Gary Buckingham and Michael Last (Laxfield) were matched against Shirley Plummer, Paul Bugg and David Brown (Rookery). The challenging conditions made for a difficult match in which Rookery pulled away to a strong lead 8-0 at three ends. Laxfield were still 7 shots behind after 10 ends, but pulled back to just 2 down after 18 ends. However, the Rookery triple kept up the pressure in the final ends and finished with a win 20-14.
Final: Very much a game of two halves, the final saw Rookery initially 15 shots to 1 down to the Halesworth triple. A change around for the Rookery players brought about a change in their fortunes. Although still one shot behind at 14 ends, 15-14, they dropped only one further shot, completing the match with a win by 26 shots to 17.
President Jenny Ronchetti with the Championship Winners
Start of the SCBA Finals.
Donald Steward Team v Northants at Kessingland BC, June 21st 2023
Silver Jubilee Vase Team v Northants at Sole Bay BC, June 21st 2023
By WebsiteCoordinator 25/07/23 0 comments
With the Silver Jubilee Vase team already through to the National Finals in Skegness representing the Southern Section, it was an anxious wait for the 19th July when the Donald Steward Team was to play their final match. Happily, a 16 points to 2 win against North Cambs confirmed that our Donald Steward Team is also going to Skegness, with a total points supremacy over Norfolk of 74 to 62. Our Silver Jubilee Vase team won their section with 46 points, ahead of Hunts on 33. Well done everyone!
Both Skegness finals are to be played on Saturday August 19th. Suffolk’s Donald Steward Team will play Humberside at 3pm, while the Silver Jubilee Vase ladies will be against Lincolnshire at 11:45am. Let’s hope for more success.
By WebsiteCoordinator 19/07/23 0 comments
The Ellen Matthews competition games are to be played on Saturday July 29th at Wenhaston Bowls Club. Areas B and D will be playing each other in the final starting at 2pm and Areas A and C will be playing each other in the 3rd and 4th place play off starting at 10am.
Wenhaston will provide refreshments, including bacon rolls and some cakes, for us to purchase throughout the day. There will be a raffle in the morning and another in the afternoon. Participants are asked to donate raffle prizes to raise a bit of money for the Presidents’ fund.
Dress is greys and white shirt or club shirt, as page 67 in this year’s County Handbook. Rink fee is £3 per player.