The final of the SI South Lancashire bowls competition was once again full of incident, suspense and laughter.
Four teams of Soroptimists had qualified for the final – SI Widnes, SI Southport, SI Leigh & District and SI Crosby. The teams’ knockout rounds needed a play-off before Crosby and Southport went through for the head-to-head. Finally, after six closely-watched games Crosby had scored more points, and so won the President’s Rose Bowl for the second year in succession.
Meanwhile, the individuals’ competition saw a series of exciting qualifying games. The final three-way decider between Radha Narayana and Angela Rowles (Widnes) and Rosemary Moore (Southport) was tense, with Rosemary eventually winning the Tricia Fahey Cup. This commemorates Tricia of SI Crosby who, when regional president, devised the regional bowls competition.
The weather – blustery and cool at the outset – turned very unpleasant, with squally showers that challenged players’ and spectators’ stamina alike. Windblown hair, ruddy cheeks and enveloping waterproofs were the fashion of the day. Eventually, however, the sun came out in time for the presentations.
In handing over the trophy to Shirley Smith, captain of SI Crosby, Regional President Liz McConnell congratulated the club on retaining the President’s Rose Bowl against such stiff opposition. Then, in company with Terry Francis (President, SI Crosby) she was delighted to present Rosemary Moore with the Tricia Fahey Cup.
President Liz praised everyone’s staying-power in such difficult conditions. She commended the Widnes members who kept up the supply of hot drinks and snacks throughout the day; and Eileen Gilbert (SI Liverpool) who catered for all the hungry Soroptimists at lunch. On behalf of the team captains, Margaret Molyneux (SI Leigh and District) thanked Dot Massey of SI Widnes who, once again, had co-ordinated the whole season as well as finals day itself.