Ladies’ British Merit Qualifier
There was a field of 13 for the British Crown Green Merit Qualifier played at Finch Hill on Sunday 16 April. The afternoon started in fine weather and it was hoped that the early morning heavy rain had passed and gone. However things went downhill weatherwise at the semi-final stage.
The two semi-finals could not have been more different, as Fiona Kennish, who had played so well in her previous game, could not come to grips with either the weather or her opponent, while in the other, Helen Martin pegged back a deficit of 9-18 to come through and win 21 -20.
Semi-finals: Lyn Bolton 21, Fiona Kennish 3; Helen Martin 21, Elaine Moore 20.
Lyn made the better start in the final, leading 9-2 after ten ends, at which point Helen took six of the next seven ends to level at 10-10. The points were shared to 13 across when Lyn, with a run of four ends, stretched to a 20-13 lead, before Helen closed to 18-20 after 30 ends. A very tense final went to Lyn with a single on the next end, giving her the win 21-18.
Lyn will now represent the island at the Individual Merit competition at the Leyland Fox Lane Sports Club on Saturday 8 July.
Association president, Rosie Winckle, thanked Finch Hill bowling club for the use of their facilities and for providing the refreshments. She also thanked all those who had helped in any way with the smooth running of the afternoon.