These were the words from a relieved Sarah Boddington after the Tuncurry Beach lawn bowler had just won a record eighth consecutive Lower North Coast District Singles title.

Pitted against Pam Coleman in an all Tuncurry Beach final, Boddington came up against an opponent who really rose to the occasion and was determined to make the most of her opportunity.

"Sarah and I are pairs partners and team-mates in other events so this was the first time I had ever actually played against Sarah," Coleman said.

"I really wanted to get to the final not just to play against her but to make a real game of it."

And this she did, playing well above expectations, giving her more experienced and accomplished opponent a real run for her money.

"Players seem to lift when they're playing me so I really have to be on my guard in these big games," Boddington said.

"Pam played exceptional bowls as did all the others I played in earlier rounds but I expect it is my absolute desire to keep my unblemished record in tact that helps me to keep winning.

"Either that or the absolute fear of losing."

Having already tasted victory in this year's district fours and triples, the 28-year-old is now hell-bent on achieving something that has alluded her in a bowls career that has spanned nigh on 20 years.

"I have never won a district grand slam," Boddington said.

"I have gone close, winning three out of the four district championship events on numerous occasions but have never quite got there.

"It's never been a real goal of mine but it would be nice to emulate my grandfather who won a grand slam way back in the 1960s.

Also making news:

"But unlike him I won't be announcing a premature retirement from the game if I'm successful.

"He foolishly promised my grandmother that if he ever won a grand slam then he'd give the game away.

"I make no such promises."

Boddington gets her opportunity in coming weeks when, as defending champion, she lines up with Coleman in the last of this year's district events, the open pairs.

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