In a boost to their chances of success at the postponed 2020 NSW State Championship lawn bowls finals to be played at Malua Bay from February 9-10, Tuncurry Beach team of Vicki Rayner, Julie Middleton and Pam Coleman skippered by Sarah Boddington have defended their Lower North Coast District Open fours title by winning this year's final against a strong Forster team led by Julie Scott.
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After Scott's team of Gina Pain, Robyn Condello and Sue Davis had sailed through the early rounds, the Tuncurry foursome knew their work would be cut out to emulate last year's feats but in a hard-fought tussle on the greens of Forster Bowling Club they pulled out all resources to forge ahead in the closing stages.
"Although a very tough game, it was played in great spirit and sportsmanship which is good for the game of bowls", Scott said after the game.
"And, I thought my team played really well but Sarah Boddington just came in and drew the shot time after time after time.
"I can only congratulate the Tuncurry girls and wish them well at the State championships where they won't be just representing their club but all of us in this district."
Boddington concurred with Scott, adding that although there is a fierce rivalry between their respective clubs, the players remain friends off the green and that she was sure that the Forster girls would be supporting her team when it came to regional playoffs and beyond.
Although a very tough game, it was played in great spirit and sportsmanship which is good for the game of bowls.
- Julie Scott
"This was a timely win for us with the State championship finals only a few weeks away," Boddington said.
"Having not played very much because of COVID and also the Christmas break, we were all a bit rusty and needed some good game time against good opposition.
"We got that and the win has now given us the confidence we needed before we head down to Malua Bay."
Meanwhile, Tuncurry Beach made it a rare quinella when their team of Di Boddington, Elaine White, Chris Peters and Kay Negus swept all before them to win the 2021 senior fours title, beating the gallant Old Bar Beach team of Susan Lathwell, Jenni Renouf, Margaret Northam and Maureen Fawcett in a quality final also played at Forster.
Having never played together before, skipper Kay Negus said she believed the win could be put down to the players gelling as a team right from the onset.
"We clicked straight away with everyone playing their part in each and every win," she said.
"I couldn't be more proud of them."
Both Tuncurry Beach teams will now contest the 2021 regional playoffs to be played at Forster in July.
Sarah Boddington's team, as 2020 district and regional winners, will also contest the NSW State championship finals that were postponed from October of last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Sarah Boddington and Pam Coleman will also contest the pairs at the championships with Boddington also in the singles.
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