“They’ve only gone and done it” echoed across the Newick bowls green after the final bowl came to rest and Gildredge Ladies Top Club team notched up a famous victory over Worthing Pavilion in the national Top Club competition on 13th August. The victory makes Gildredge ladies one of the TOP 32 TEAMS IN ENGLAND. The team now represent Sussex in the regional zone final within South-East England. They will play Bembridge, Isle of Wight, within the next couple of weeks.
The victorious squad after the match
Cathy Greenwood (singles); Gill Seymour and Jenny Townsend (pairs); Ros Pickering, Mal Rossell, Ellen Strevens (triples); Marilyn Doust, Mary Bowley, Carol Forge, Eve Goldsmith (fours); Denise Smith (coach)
The game against Worthing Pavilion was played at the neutral venue of Newick. The format was four rinks comprising singles, pairs, triples and fours. A win on the majority of rinks would give the match, and a two-two draw would be decided by overall shots.
Gildredge ladies arrived ready to win. Their previous victory over Polegrove had helped to set a determined attitude. Earlier in the week they had been training together with coach Denise Smith whose experience and expertise has helped the team grow.
Coach Denise Smith in conversation with Ros Pickering
On the day, just before the match, the Gildredge team talk and warm-up sent out the message to the opponents that Gildredge would not easily be beaten.
Wins by the triples and fours countered losses in the singles and pairs leaving the match poised at two rinks to each team. Every player played their heart out. Everyone knew that every shot might count and all the Gildredge ladies played to score right to the last end whether they were up or down. The final score saw Gildredge edge to victory by three shots.
A big band of Gildredge supports outnumbered Worthing supported five to one. They clapped and cheered throughout and thoroughly enjoyed the match. Eighteen players and supported stayed on for a celebratory meal and a small wine or six at the Bull in Newick to give a fitting end to a wonderful day.
The next round will be played at a neutral setting somewhere between the Isle of Wight and Eastbourne. Rumours of a temporary rink on the Isle of Wight ferry are not to be believed. Once arrangements are made the club will be informed and supporters will be most welcome.