Originally published at: https://hornseacommunitynews.uk/sport/national-champs/
Huge congratulations to Hornsea IBC members, Suzanne Cotton and Diana Jones on their stunning win at the Bowls England 2018 National Championships in the Ladies Pairs competition. Sue and Di regularly play for Hornsea IBC ladies but over the summer they play outdoors for Kingston Bowls Club in Hull. Playing for Kingston, Sue and Di won through all their rounds in the Yorkshire competition to win their place as the Yorkshire representatives at the National Championships which were held in Royal Leamington Spa in mid- August.
Playing two matches a day over three days ‘the grannies’ as they cheerfully call themselves, won through all their rounds to reach the final on 18th August. In the semi-finals they played England Internationals and Commonwealth Gold Medallists, Sophie Tolchard and Natalie Chestney who already had one 2018 National title having been part of the winning ladies fours team. Sophie also went on to win the ladies singles. The match was won when Di played a stunning shot that took them from being five down to one up on the last end.
In the final Di and Suzanne took a strong early lead, before dropping two counts of four to create a tense finish. Their success gave Yorkshire its first ever ladies pairs title at the National Championships. The ladies were presented with prize money but will formally receive their trophies in November at the Bowls England dinner.
However, the ladies have already been fitted out for their England team colours which they will wear in June 2019 when they represent England in the Ladies Pairs event at the British Isles Championships in Jersey.
When chatting to Di and Sue, their love of the game is evident as is their youthful humour. They cheerfully admit to sticking to a strict routine after their first week, which included not changing their clothes (other than underwear) for the whole three days and polishing their woods carefully before each match. Di confirmed that “We were so relaxed” as they shared a cheerful word each time they changed ends. “We joked about going shopping after each game, half expecting to have the free time after being knocked out. “But we never did get to go shopping in Leamington!” they remarked with big smiles. As the competition progressed they found that the teams and supporters of other counties started to get behind them as they took on the established names of the sport.
“We still can’t believe it” said Di, almost a month later. “We’re still excited now” confirmed Sue and both now can’t wait to go to Jersey. We wish them lots of luck next year and in the forthcoming indoor season.
Coming up on Saturday, 10th November the Club have a Rock n’ Roll night so come and join us and rock around the clock to the East Coast Rockers. Tickets are just £8.00 and doors open at 7.00 pm. It should be a ‘Rocking’ evening.
