Tuesday April 18
In a day of reckoning for the Women’s District Singles, both Open and Senior Sections at Yamba Bowling Club; four of our best, after winning through the ranks put their skills to the test in the hope of attaining the prized District Singles Championship titles. Overcast skies and a nice cool morning provided perfect conditions for these prestigious finals with spectators looking forward to some entertaining bowling.
It was talented bowler Marianne Jenner v 2021 Open Singles title holder Carol Ritale in the Seniors Section. True to her brilliant current form – it was Carol who led the way for most of the game culminating in a 25-14 win over her opponent Marianne. No mean feat as Marianne is a strong contender and excellent draw bowler in her own right. It was however Carol’s day and she can now add the Senior Singles title to her belt. Marker was Anna Bunn.
In the Open Section, Gilly Wakefield displayed her true bowling talents when she came up against three times District Singles Champion Cathryn Aitchison (Open 2011, 2014, 2019). Despite her best-efforts Cathryn couldn’t catch up to Gilly who held tenaciously to the lead the entire game.
Gilly’s superb drawing skills saw her take the lead early over Cathryn finishing with a strong 25-14 win earning her the Open Singles Championship title. Marker was Lois Duncan.
Congratulations to the winners and runners-up alike and thanks to all those contestants who travelled from Clubs throughout the District to compete with some great games throughout the competition.
And not forgetting the Markers, Umpires and Controlling Bodies who kept things running smoothly on the greens. Also, thanks must go to Yamba Bowling Club Social Committee made sure players and officials enjoyed refreshments before the start of each bowling day.
The winners Carol and Gilly will now go on to contest the Regional title at Red Rock in May 2023. If they should be successful, it will be on to the State playoffs at a later date – a huge challenge but both ladies have the abilities to be strong contenders for that title. There has been only one State Singles winner for our District – Lyn Olsson in 2003 with Maxine Holland taking the State Singles runner-up title 3 times – so it’s a title we would love to bring home again. Good luck Carol and Gilly.
Jude Pryor