Bowls: Women's contingent a hot prospect

Chris Telford

Just like the men, the Hawke's Bay women have high expectations in Wellington this weekend.

"This is a young side jam-packed with enthusiasm, potential and current junior champions so they will do well," is the verdict of Colleen Ferrick, the president of Bowls Hawke's Bay before the team compete at the second National Under-8 Intercentre Tournament from today.

Wellington won the inaugural women's crown last year.

The Bay women will play at Naenae Bowling Club against Thames Valley and Southland in their section as well as having a bye.

Coach/selectors Jim Bentley and Beryl Skidmore have gone with up-and-coming Alison Lott (Taradale) to slot into the singles position.

"Alison's been a runner-up a couple of times," says Ferrick of Lott, who in five years of playing has been a Bowls Napier and Omarunui club member for two years each before settling at Bowls Taradale.

Bentley and Skidmore have opted for talented Bowls Napier duo Chris Telford (skip) and Michelle Robinson to spearhead the pairs competition.

Telford is an orthopaedic nurse at the Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital in Hastings and also a Bowls HB board member in seven years of playing.

Robinson, a former representative women's cricketer, runs an embroidery business and has been playing for six years. She and Telford are partners in life.

Jo Wroe, of Waipukurau, skips a proficient fours team, with No3 Irene Hunt (Napier), No2 Sheryl Viggers (Taradale) and lead Helen Bentley (Heretaunga).

All three, apart from Bentley, are businesswomen. Bentley, whose husband is coach/selector Jim and won't be at the tourney, is a volunteer caterer at Bowls Heretaunga, says Ferrick.