The WCGBA’s Ladies Merit was held on Sunday 25^th May; a breezy and bright day at Criccieth Bowling Club. The green looked in excellent condition given the very dry weather at the start of this season. Drawn to enter the event were 30 players, many from the Welsh Ladies County Squad and included several past winners of the Mel Higham Shield.

WCGBA Officials were on hand, as usual, and the competition was well run by Simon Walker, Assistant Competitions Officer and Development Officer. Referees included Arthur Peake, DT Evans and Allan Davies. President Pauline Lindley welcomed everyone to the event and she was supported by deputy President, Peter Higham.

With the draw made, the first round got underway. There were some big leads in the first set of matches with Jess Lacey starting strongly against Carol Edwards. She kept up the pressure to win 21-9. Ashley Zepeda also took control of her match with Lynn Addis to win comfortably 21-10. Jane Bowler stormed away with the most impressive start to the competition with a 21-3 win over Delyth Williams. Emily Gowan met Mum Sarah Penlington and triumphed 21-8. The first round was peppered with single figure wins and the closest game was that between Olwen Edwards and Ann Banks with Olwen just tipping the balance to win 21-19.

In Round Two, there was an intense battle between Catrin Short and Carron Riley with Carron claiming victory 21-20. Emily Gowan led all the way to win 21-2 over Ashley. Jess Lacey, Caroline David, Jess Osbourne, Sian Maddock, Linda Williams and Sarah Loundes all making it through to the quarter final stage.

Emily Gowan in her quarter-final match with Carron Riley, continued to play some great bowls and left no room for Carron to come back. Emily won 21-11. Jess Lacey had a tougher time with Caroline David, but eventually won 21-18. Jess Osbourne and Sian Maddock had a mammoth match with Jess just getting across the line first with 21-19. The closest match of the round saw Linda Williams and Sarah Loundes in an epic game. Sarah started well and managed to keep Linda at bay. Linda, never one to give up easily fought her was back, impressively to 19 across, then 20 across before Sarah clinched the last chalk 21-20.

In the first of the Semi-finals, Emily continued to play the green well. Jess Lacey found it hard to discover a weak spot and Emily won 21-10. Jess Osbourne and Sarah Loundes’ match was much closer with Jess taking the lead several times before Sarah ran out 21-18.

In the final of the competition, Sarah looked very cool and calm as she won the toss to head out across the green. She was soon 13-7 up. Emily, who had played brilliantly all day dug deep to bring the score 14-11 to Sarah. However, Sarah was not to be denied the title as she continued to edge ever closer to her final 21-14 victory.

Wales will have six players from this line up who now qualify for the British Ladies Merit in Derbyshire in July.

Jeanette Higham

For WCGBA