On an early Sunday in March a number of ladies dusted off the cobwebs from their boules to play in the Kent Regional Qualifier on International Women’s Day. The number of teams who play in the regional qualifier determines the number of teams a region can send to the National Finals – this year Saturday June 6th at Whitnash PC. Eleven doubles teams turned up to play from 7 clubs across Kent, which means Kent can send 2 teams to the National Finals Day.
The format for the event was 3 leagues of 4 teams (1 bye), with the best 8 qualifying for the gold event and next 3 into the silver.
In the silver final Marina and Carol from Ditton played Maggie and Gerry from Istead Rise. In a closely contested match Marina and Carol won choosing a box of Celebrations chocolates for their victory prize!
In the gold event, the first semi final saw Becky and Carolyn from The Earl Grey, defeat Lois and Joan from Hartley. In the other semi final, Diane and Irene from Hartley beat Sam (New Ash Green) and Shelia (Istead Rise). A close final started with Becky and Carolyn methodically building a 7-0 lead, but Diane and Irene fought back to level the game at 7-7. Gradually Becky and Carolyn pulled away to lead 10-7 and in what turned out to be the final end Becky had pointed in 3 for game. A competitive game played in a friendly spirit. Diane and Irene won a bottles of wine, and Carolyn and Becky won a bottle of wine and a box of Quality Street each. These 2 teams will represent Kent at the PE IWD National Finals Day late this year.
Please seriously consider playing in this event next year. It is a fun, friendly day of boules enjoyed by all and it would be fantastic to reach 17 teams entered so Kent can send 4 teams to National Finals Day next year. Come on ladies rise to the challenge!
With thanks to Hartley for hosting, Barry Menzies for cooking and Becky for organising the draw and format on Sunday.
Photos taken by Becky & Barry.
