As the 2024 season comes to an end, it is hoped that many of you can look back on a successful one. The level at which you enjoy the game is not important. Each game takes skill, courage and a determination to do ones best for yourself, pairs partner, team or county.

In my travels to some of the Welsh County matches, Merits and British Finals of most of the top competitions, I have been privileged to see some outstanding performances by some of our players.

I have chosen to celebrate only four this year – there will be many others I’m sure.

The performances by young Jess Lacey, particularly, have been truly stunning. From the Junior in a baseball cap who would pull it down over her eyes when she bowled a bad wood, Jess has blossomed into an awesome player.

Her successes this year include: WCBGA Junior Merit – the first girl to do so. The BCGBA Junior Ladies Merit – only the second girl to achieve back to back wins , Esclusham Ladies Comp., Welsh Ladies Pairs with Kelsey Morgan-Rowlands, Nercwys Pairs with Darren Lacey, Bridgewater Pairs with Owen Jackson and getting through to the semi final stages of the Ifton Pairs with Joe Langford, St Georges Mixed Pairs with Owen Jackson and the BCGBA Junior Semi Final in Sheffield. Her manner on the green is exemplary and she always treats her opponent with respect. This attitude was noted by several spectators and officials at more than one event. She sets the bar high for others in this respect. This season saw the end of her Junior status but, no doubt, we will see Jess in action for years to come.

My next choice highlights the achievements of Francis Penlington. What a fantastic season he has enjoyed. To win the WCGBA Senior Merit and the WCGBA Vet’s Merit in the same year is no small feat. He went on to win the Ivor Cotterall ( Flintshire Individual Merit ), Sale Excelsior Pairs with son Adam, the Hesketh Banks Pairs with Adam, the Connah’s Quay Pairs with Emily Gowan, Aston Pairs with Nicola Dolby, and the Sychdyn Pairs with Mike Riley. Runner up positions followed with the WCGBA Mix Pairs Comp. with Emily and the Vet’s Singles at Aston. I was struck by his calm self confidence during many of the games I witnessed, and he was a worthy winner at the end of the day. I jokingly said to Francis that he needed a bigger mantelpiece. I think he needs to move house.

For profile number three we have Nicola Dolby, who still plays much of her bowls in Wales. Nicola’s solo successes include the Marton Institute Ladies Comp, Nercwys Ladies and both the June and Autumn Isle of Man Ladies tournaments. Nicola is also a highly successful doubles player and she can count the Gresford Mixed Pairs with Adam Penlington, Owley Wood Mixed Pairs with Adam, the Davenham Mixed Pairs with Ben Philips, Aston Open Pairs with Francis Penlington, the Siddington Open Pairs with Sue Worral and the WCGBA Mixed Pairs with Adam amongst this year’s triumphs. Nicola has played at the highest level for many years and shows no sign of changing the standard she sets herself each season. She takes nothing for granted in any match and always plays to her strengths. Nicola leads the way in the number of times she has won the BCGBA Ladies Champion of Champions event, an impressive four times.

I could not miss one of our ‘all time’ great, Linda Williams. This player has nothing to prove and plays for the sheer love of the game. Her work refurbishing disused greens and encouraging   people of all ages and abilities to take up Crown Green bowling is something she is passionate about and shows her selflessness when it comes to giving back to others. In 2024, Linda won the WCGBA Ladies Merit for the fourth time and the BCGBA Ladies Merit for the second time.

I hope I am forgiven for singling out just these four players as I was privileged to witness their successes at times. We have some excellent players in Wales and they are great ambassadors for the sport within Wales and as our representatives in the wider Crown Green world.

In 2026 the WCGBA celebrates 100 years, an excellent time to reflect on the contribution Wales has made, and continues to make, in all aspects of the sport. We may be small, but it has been said that Wales punches well above its weight in talent.  If you have enjoyed a successful 2024 season, you can count yourself as a ‘Crown Jewel’ too and we look forward to 2025 with more ‘treasures’, hopefully coming our way.          .

Jeanette Higham