It has been said that “success is a journey, not a destination” and so it proved for two Madeira teams who are to be congratulated for reaching the last 16 play-offs in the County Majors last weekend, writes Terry Dowrick.
Martin Langford, Ray Parker and Bob Walker were up against a very strong team from Plymouth North Down and fell at the first hurdle. But Ken Roberts, Cliff Skinner and Bill Davies moved into the last eight, edging Brixham 21-19 in a close encounter. Then, they too fell to North Down by a single shot.
For most of history “anonymous” was a woman, but not so last Tuesday, as Madeira’s women took centre stage in the Grace Mathews Triples, smoothly organised by Joan Mansell.
Every triple played three matches of six ends, with points awarded for a win (2) or a draw (1). Winning all three games for maximum points was enough to see Sue Humphries, Jan Roberts and skip Mary Ann Dowrick secure the trophy.
The afternoon featured a cream tea, at which the proper etiquette was observed, with little, if any, subversive Cornish counter-culture in evidence. Cream first - Proper job!
And then the rains came, but this did not prevent Madeira hosting Devon’s top women bowlers contesting the last 16, quarter and semi finals of Bowls Devon 4 Wood Singles on Saturday.
In a field featuring young England international stars as well as seasoned campaigners at County and National level, the greater experience of Sue Evans (Honiton) and Liz Smerdon (Crediton), enabled them to master the tricky wind conditions. This saw them through to the finals to be played at Leamington Spa.
The success of women’s bowls at Madeira can be traced all the way back to the summer of 1934, when a Ladies section was introduced under the pioneering guidance of Miss Jessie Blackmore, with an initial intake of seven members.
A small hut was provided as a dressing room and, in the cause of modesty, was sited with the windows facing the surrounding bank of the Club ground!
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