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
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 teamsâ€. 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.