By TANIA PHILLIPS
THERE are just 28 regular lady bowlers at Pottsville but that hasn’t stopped them from making it all the way to the state pennant play-offs for Grade Two and almost stealing the title.
The team of nine bowlers went down to the might of Cabramatta in the finals at Nelson’s Bay last month – a side that is coached by an Australian representative, Karen Murphy and managed by a second national player ClareTurley. Not only that but Cabramatta also featured two young up and coming Aussie players. But they say a champion team is as good as a team of champion and while they didn’t win the top pennant – they certainly game it a good shake.
More than 5000 bowlers took part in the pennants competition across the state this year and the Pottsville ladies team won through their region and district to earn a spot in the finals.
“It was terrific for us to get to this point,” team member Marcie Comerford admitted.
“It’s the first time anyone from this area had got to the state final.”
Just to get to Soldiers Point/Port Stephens to play in the final round-robin, the ladies had to raise more than $7000 and they did it in the traditional way – cake stalls and monster raffles.
And once they were there they took their opportunities with both hands – recording the highest score ever in the sectional play – an amazing 17 and a half out of 20 – which is four wins and and one draw. The sensational result was enough to give them a berth in the final for their secion.
The ladies then went out in top gear and were able to overtake the Ulladulla side in round one, cementing their place on THE final.
In a reallly tough game, while fighting hard, the girls were unable to rein in the Cabramatta side. What a wonderful effort from the Pottsville women.
“They have done themselves, their club and the district proud,” Tweed Byron District Bowls publicity officer Judith Tuckey said.
“To make the state final with four wins and a draw – no lossses – is just the ultimate.”
