IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM REACH THE FINAL IN WREXHAM
Ladies Vets Team that played in Llay, Wales last week
Photo: UnknownBCGBA LADIES VETERANS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
A nine player strong Isle of Man Over 60’s Ladies team plus Team Manager travelled to Wrexham in Wales on Monday 22 June to compete in the British Crown Green Bowling Association Ladies Veterans County Championship. All matches were played on the following day (Tuesday) in extremely hot and humid conditions – water and shade were certainly the order of the day!
The competition was played in four groups consisting of four counties with the winners of each group progressing to the semi-finals. Group A and Group B played at Llay Miners Welfare Bowling Club; Group C and D at Gresford Village, with the semi-finals and final being played at Brymbo Sports and Social Club. All games played 15 off scratch.
The Isle of Man Team consisted of Elaine Moore and Sue Collier (South Ramsey); Hilary Kermode (Castletown); Paula Garrett and Sue Gawne (Nobles); Joyce Kelly (Peel); Lynda Cadamy (Marown), plus Caroline Whitehead and Margaret Tasker (Breagle Glen). Elaine was Captain and Janet Latham was Team Manager.
The IOM ladies were drawn in Group B along with Wales plus Warwick and Worcester. The other county in the group, Shropshire, had to withdrawn due to health problems. Group A consisted of Staffordshire, North Shropshire, Merseyside and South Yorkshire. Group C consisted of the favourites to win the competition, Yorkshire; Mid-Warwickshire, Dudley & District and Burton & District. Group D consisted of South Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Our ladies first match was against Warwick and Worcester and although we drew four all, we took the honours on points (97-91). Wales was next on the green winning 6-2 (110-66) against Warwick and Worcester. With both the IOM ladies and Wales winning a match each, whoever won between ourselves and Wales would progress to the semi-finals. This match was a nail-biter with every point counting as we drew four all again winning by just three points, to seal our place in the semi-finals. Also going through to the semis were Merseyside from Group A; Yorkshire from Group C, and Greater Manchester from Group D.
The IOM ladies made their way to Brymbo Sports and Social Club for the semi-finals/final. Our semi was against Group A winners Merseyside. Our ladies were on excellent form winning this match 6-2 and by 40 points (113-73). Second semi was also a 6-2 win for Yorkshire against Greater Manchester (106-73).
And so to the final, the first time for the Isle of Man! Unfortunately for our ladies and despite playing exceptionally well in the final and during the day, Yorkshire were too strong winning the match 7-1 (113-73).
Results of the final:
| Isle of Man | Score | Score | Yorkshire |
| Paula Garrett | 14 | 15 | Lorraine Hirst |
| Sue Collier | 4 | 15 | Lynda Drury |
| Margaret Tasker | 8 | 15 | Linda Gledhill |
| Lynda Cadamy | 7 | 15 | Julie Best |
| Sue Gawne | 8 | 15 | Jean Witchcombe |
| Hilary Kermode | 12 | 15 | Sally Turner |
| Elaine Moore | 15 | 8 | Karen Hill |
| Caroline Whitehead | 5 | 15 | Debbie Davis |
| 73 | 113 |
Many congratulations to our ladies on an excellent performance; they certainly did the IOM bowling fraternity proud. Also thanks to our supporter, Jenny Saunders, for all her encouragement and to Janet for doing most of the running round especially in the hot conditions. WELL DONE IOM LADIES VETERANS TEAM!