Dear members,
It is an honour and privilege to serve as President of the Suffolk County Women`s Bowls Association. I extend my sincere thanks for the trust and support you have shown during my Junior and President Elect years.
As we look ahead to another exciting year of bowls, I am reminded of the strength and dedication, and sportsmanship that define our association. Whether you are a long-standing member or new to the game, I hope this year brings you enjoyment, camaraderie, and success on and off the green or rink.
I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year and celebrating the achievements and spirt that make our county so special. Let us continue to support each other and work together to promote and grow this wonderful game of bowls.
Wish you all a fulfilling and enjoyable year.
Warm regards,
Lesley Dyer, SCWBA President 2026.
Amy Finch, 4 Bowl Singles
Sue Bryenton- Rochard, 4 Bowl Senior Singles
Sue Bryenton-Rochard and So So Cole, Ladies Pairs
Sandi Steed, Pauline Wright and Amy Finch, 2 Bowl Rinks
Sandi Steed and Martin Rumball, Mixed Pairs
SCWBA Presidential Team at Lincoln: (L-R) Tracy Webb, Daphne Fane, Lesley Dyer
By WebsiteCoordinator 04/05/26 0 comments
The Lincoln IBC Centre again gave a warm welcome to the combined EBF/EWBF National indoor finals 2026. For the SCWBA the week had an unexpected start. Our scratch team, including players who don`t play much indoor bowls, found themselves losing finalists in the Ladies Harry Carver Competition. Our team comprised of two triples; Amy Finch, Daphne Fane & Sue Bryenton-Rochard and Pauline Wright, Lesley Dyer and Gayle Hart. It was an exceptionally close game, with Suffolk losing to home-team, Lincolnshire, by just one shot at the finish. As the week progressed, this unfortunately turned out to be the best result of the National Finals for Suffolk, ladies or men.
Ladies 4 Bowl Singles
Amy Finch had again proved herself to be a strong singles bowler in the Suffolk finals and was back in Lincoln to represent the County in the 4 bowl singles. Up against J. Jackson, a talented player from Huntingdonshire, Amy progressed initially to 3-3, but her opponent pulled away to 8-3 lead. However, Amy fought back to level at 9 shots and went into a one-shot lead at 10-9. The game then switched again in favour of the Hunts player as she overtook Amy with several skilful ends to go 15-10 ahead. With the score at 19-11 against her, Amy fought back determinedly and progressed to 15 shots before her opponent was able to clinch what had been a very high-level game. It was not surprising that the Hunts player went on to win the National title.
Ladies 4 Bowl Senior Singles
The Senior Singles got off to nervy start, with Sue Bryenton-Rochard and J.Thorpe, her N. Cambs opponent, both struggling to find consistency. After levelling at 6 all, Sue went 9-6 down after narrowly missing the jack with an attacking shot. The score had progressed to 12-8 to N. Cambs, when Sue found herself another 3 shots down. She was unable to improve the situation with her last wood and saw her opponents fourth shot come into the count resulting in a 16-8 lead. Sue worked hard to apply pressure and fought back to 18-15 down, only to drop 3 shots for a loss 21-15. Her opponent progressed through the competition to lose in the final.
Ladies Pairs
New pairing, Sue Bryenton-Rochard and So So Cole were our Suffolk representatives in the Ladies Pairs, with So So competing at Lincoln for the first time. Their game against Northants got off to a difficult start, with the opponents at 9-0 up before Suffolk got onto the board. Unfortunately, their fortunes did not improve until they were 16-4 down, when a fight-back took them to 17-10. Northants clinched the match with a single shot in the next end giving them an 18-10 result.
Ladies 2 Bowl Rinks
A bye in the first round brought the Suffolk team of Sandi Steed, Pauline Wright and Amy Finch into the second round of the competition, against Huntingdonshire. A late rink switch put them on to the live-streamed rink 4 which enabled Suffolk supporters to follow their game remotely. Our team had an excellent start, going to a 7-2 lead after seven ends. The tension built after two threes dropped in the next three ends brought Hunts up level at 8 all. However, in the eleventh end, close woods by Sandi and Pauline saw three shots regained. The momentum was maintained in a difficult 12th end. The first attempt was killed by the Hunts skip when Suffolk were holding and the replay was closely fought, but went to Suffolk when the opposing skip’s fire missed. One shot to Suffolk on that end was followed by two in the 13th end, taken by Amy removing the Hunts holding wood. At 14-8 Suffolk kept up the pressure when Amy converted two down to two up by moving the jack. The Hunts skip drew in the second wood when Suffolk had been holding three in the 15th end and Suffolk were fortunate in the 16th when the Hunts skip moved the jack to benefit our team by three. At 20-8 up, all seemed secure, but Hunts fought back and scored four in the 17th end. The next three ends also went to Hunts, benefitting by five shots, to bring the score to 20-17 going into the last end. Suffolk were two shots down when the Hunts skip played her last wood and failed to take a third, so Suffolk finally made it through to the semi-final by 20 shots to 19!
The semi-final was played against Norfolk. Suffolk scored four in the first end, but Norfolk equalised in the second. The game continued to go one way then the other in the early ends, with the score level at 8 all in the 6th end. At 14-11 ahead, Suffolk scored a four, followed by another shot in the 13th end. By the 15th end Suffolk were in a strong position at 21-12, but relaxed their grip and Norfolk took advantage, putting up short jacks which our ladies were not able to manage. As in the previous round, Suffolk saw their comfortable lead eroded and 14 shots were lost in five consecutive ends, resulting in a position five shots down at 20 ends (21-26). Our team gained one consolation shot in the final end, but went out of the competition 22-26.
Mixed Pairs
Shortly after the disappointment of the 2 Bowl Rinks semi-final, Sandi Steed returned to competition in the Mixed Pairs, partnering Martin Rumball in a first-round match against Nottinghamshire. Our players were challenged by the lines on the edge rink and it took until the fifth end for them to score (7-2). The sixth end saw them go down another three shots and they changed positions to steady the game. One more end went against them, but they scored a three in the 8th end to be 11-5 down. Single shots characterised the next few ends until the 14th end when a measure situation was changed by Sandi moving the jack and they went down three shots resulting in 17-7 against. Changing back positions was not able to appreciably alter the flow of the game, with the final score at 21-11 to the Notts pair.
Mixed Rinks
The Suffolk champions were not available to play their match against Lincolnshire.
By WebsiteCoordinator 13/03/26 0 comments
Held at Ipswich and District Indoor Bowls Centre, February 28th - March 1st
The joint Federation Indoor Finals for Suffolk again provided a feast of bowling, enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience of supporters. As usual, the SCBA and SCWBA committee members worked efficiently together to ensure a thoroughly successful weekend. We are also grateful to our hosts at IDIBC for making us so welcome.
For the photo gallery Please click here.
Saturday`s semi-finals featured several very hard-fought matches involving some players new to these competitions as well as many familiar faces. Jan Truin and Sue Bryenton-Rochard met up in both the 4 Bowl Singles and in the Senior Singles, with places in the finals divided equally. Playing with Soe Soe Cole, Sue gained a place in the final of the 2 Wood Pairs as well as the Senior Singles. One of the 2 Bowl Ladies Triples semi-finals saw Soe Soe, partnered by Gayle Hart and Linda Dyer close in on a win 18-16 against Pauline Anderson, Margaret Beck and Ann Horne.
The finals matches were also well contested. In the 4 Bowl Singles Jan Truin made a very strong start against Amy Finch, but Amy fought back steadily. A measure brought her level at 15 all on the 21st end. Although Jan added a further shot to her score, Amy completed her match with a close measure for three, winning 21-16. In the Senior Singles Sue Bryenton-Rochard applied pressure from the start against Pauline Wright, although scoring was tight, with only 13 shots won after 12 ends. The match concluded 21- 13 in Sue`s favour.
The 2 Wood Pairs Final was between Pauline Anderson and Margaret Beck and Soe Soe Cole and Sue Bryenton-Rochard. Soe Soe and Sue made the better start and were 6 shots ahead after 11 ends. Then a surge by Pauline and Margaret, winning three consecutive high-scoring ends, resulted in a move ahead to 15-12 by the 15th end. However, their hopes were dashed when Soe Soe and Sue progressed by 6 shots in the next two ends and held their lead to finish with their score at 22 shots against 16.
Soe Soe Cole partnered Gayle Hart and Linda Dyer against Sandi Steed, Pauline Wright & Amy Finch in the 2 Wood Triples Final. This was another well-contested match, with plenty of skilful play, but the defending champions proved to be too strong for the Blundeston trio, applying steady pressure throughout the match, which concluded 24-15 in their favour.
SCWBA ladies were also involved in the 2 Bowl Mixed Pairs and the Mixed Triples competitions. The Mixed Pairs final was initially closely contested between Sandi Steed and Martin Rumball and Amy Finch and Robert Kerry. The match was level 6 all at 8 ends, but Martin and Sandi pulled away to an eventual 21- 10 win. Ann Horne partnered Simon Drake and E. Alcock against Kim Davis, Paul Salmon and David Crimmins in the Mixed Triples final. Although the early ends were close, with the match level at 16 ends, Ann`s Lowestoft Railway triple took control later in the game. They completed the match with a win 22 shots to 15.
The raffle was very well supported, with the SCWBA`s share realising 185 pounds. Unclaimed prizes will be included in later raffles. Please note that sponsors are needed for all next year`s indoor competitions and one of the upcoming outdoor competitions. Treasurer Sally Smith will be happy to provide further information.
Finally, all our County champions are wished the very best of luck in the National finals at Lincoln and District IBC, from 21st to 26th April.
4 Bowls Singles - Amy Finch
Senior Singles - Sue Bryenton-Rochard
Ladies Pairs - Sue Bryenton-Rochard/Soe Soe Cole
2 Bowl Ladies - Triples Amy Finch/Pauline Wright/ Sandi Steed
2 Bowl Mixed Pairs - Martin Rumball/ Sandi Steed
Mixed Triples - S,Drake/Ann Horne/ E.Alcock
By WebsiteCoordinator 27/02/26 0 comments
Members of the County Teams met together with President, Lesley, Team Captains Jenny and Ann and other SCWBA officials to share a delicious buffet at Bramford Golf Club on Saturday 21st February. Although pleasant to reminisce about an enjoyable season last year, we were all looking forward to the County Indoor Finals this coming weekend and thinking further ahead about the approaching 2026 outdoor season.
The meal concluded with entertainment organised by Sarah from Bramford. We were invited to think back to the price of essential products in the year 2000. There were certainly some surprises in that price inflation was not nearly as much as expected on some products and others are now very much higher than in 2000. A 1st class stamp, now 1.70 pounds, was only 27p 25 years ago.
Having survived the mental challenges of pricing, we were then given the physical challenge of picking up small sweets with chop sticks. Taking turns around the table, the sweets were first removed from the bowl and then replaced, a task which many found tricky.
The groaning raffle prize table took quite a while to clear and we were pleased to hear that 185 pounds was raised. Our thanks go to the raffle organisers and also to Sarah and to Lesley who organised this enjoyable event.
Andy Burch, SCBA President.
Jackie Whitlock and Elaine Felgate with their National Ladies Pairs Trophy
By WebsiteCoordinator 31/10/25 0 comments
We visited pastures new this year for the SCWBA Luncheon and were delighted to find that the Claydon Hotel proved to be such a welcoming destination. A delicious meal, presided over by SCBA President Andrew Burch and his wife Anna, SCWBA President Donna Mills and her guest Helen Sharp and SCWBA President Elect, Lesley Dyer, was followed by toasts and speeches from those on the top table.
Andy talked to us about a year of special experiences, such as the Indoor National Mixed Pairs win by Jane Skillings and Kevin Rolfe and his own club, Wrentham, winning the Senior Cup. The Suffolk Under 25`s team did so well to qualify for their National final at Skegness, where they beat Derbyshire. Team members included SCWBA players Zoe and Jemimah Andrew-Smith and Megan Leader. They were joined as Champions by the Suffolk Adams team, triumphing against Cleveland, the first win for our county since 2018. Success at the start of the week was followed by a win in the Under 25`s final by Joe Sims and the superb Ladies Pairs win by Jackie Whitlock and Elaine Felgate. Andy commented that the Suffolk teams were noted at Skegness for their smart appearance and he concluded by thanking his wing man, David Cattermole and congratulating Donna on her year as President.
President Donna thanked her team for a great year. County games were very enjoyable and played in good spirit. She was grateful to her club, Stonelodge for hosting her successful President`s Day and the County finals. At the Skegness Finals it was an honour and a privilege to work alongside the Suffolk men, an example for the future.
President Elect, Lesley agreed that they had had a brilliant year. She thanked Donna and congratulated her on her presidential year, especially as she has to fit work and other time-consuming activities into her busy life, including being a member of the England short-mat team. Lesley then presented gifts to Anna Burch and Donna Mills.
Donna and Andy presented the cups to the County competition winners. Special congratulations went to Jackie Whitlock and Elaine Felgate as they were again presented with their National Ladies Pairs trophy. Ellen Matthews winners, Area D were presented with their swingers and the wooden spoon was collected for Area A by Amy Finch.
The captains of the County Teams, Jenny Ronchetti (Donald Steward) and Ann Craigie (Silver Jubilee Vase) marked a successful season, in which both teams were runners-up, by presenting gifts to their team members.
A very enjoyable event closed with the raffle, organised by Lesley Alexander and Paula Gooch, which raised £284.00. Our grateful thanks also go to luncheon organisers, Chloe Webb and her Mum.
By WebsiteCoordinator 23/10/25 0 comments
Click Here for a Photo Gallery
Once again, bowlers from the 13 counties met up in Skegness for the National Finals. In the EWBF Women`s Pairs competition, Jackie Whitlock and Elaine Felgate made confident progress to the final with wins over North Essex (21-11) and Huntingdonshire (20-11). They maintained their excellent form against Cleveland in the Final on Saturday 23rd resulting in an exciting win by 20 shots to 11.
Very many congratulations to the ladies from Otley BC - National Champions!
Sadly, there was disappointment for Gillian Lamprey, who did so well to qualify for three competitions at Skegness. Although going out in the 2 Bowl Singles and the Secretaries Singles, Gill secured a place in the Senior Singles final, but lost out to her North Essex opponent.
By WebsiteCoordinator 08/09/25 0 comments
The draw for the indoor competition has been done and is available under `Competitions`.
JP, Daphne Fane, PE, Lesley Dyer, President Donna Mills and Sue Bryenton-Rochard with SCBA President, Andrew Burch
By WebsiteCoordinator 01/08/25 0 comments
County President, Donna Mills` club Stone Lodge hosted the County finals this year. A full programme of semi-finals was played on Saturday, but the finals on Sunday were disrupted by the onset of heavy rain in the middle of proceedings. Unfortunately, when the rain eventually cleared the green was unfit to use. Not to be daunted, County Finals Co-Ordinator, Sue Bryenton-Rochard, hastily arranged with Stone Lodge for the remaining finals to be played in the following fortnight. The SCWBA are greatly indebted to the club for facilitating these additions to their busy schedule of bowls.
The Championships provided a mix of familiar faces and newer bowlers. Click here for the gallery of County Champions. Gillian Lamprey from Lowestoft Railway was successful in three singles competitions, the 2 Bowl, the Senior and the Secretaries Singles. Young players, Kylie Smith (4 Bowl Singles), Jemimah Andrew-Smith (Champion of Champions) and Chelsea Turner (Under 25`s) all played confidently to win their competitions. All our winners are wished the best of luck for the National Championships in Skegness.
By WebsiteCoordinator 30/06/25 0 comments
Stone Lodge Bowls Club.
Completed finals results are available under 'Competitions'/'County Finals'.
Unfortunately the finals had to be abandoned due to weather. The remaining matches have been arranged over the next few days at Stone Lodge Bowls Club.
Tuesday 8th July Senior Singles at 11:00
Andrea Dickinson v Gillian Lamprey
Tuesday 8th July 2 Bowls Singles at approx. 13:30
Gillian Lamprey v Ann Lilley
Wednesday 9th July Senior Pairs at 18:30
Pauls Gooch, Lesley Alexander v Angela Mondon, Suzanne Deeves
Friday 11th July 2 Bowl Rinks at 18:30
S Lilley, V Holt, M Gillam v S Plummer, C Saunders, A Felgate at 18:30
Thursday 17th July 3 Bowl Rinks at 18:30
G Lamprey, M Beck, P Anderson v H Brooks, M Brooks, D Allum
Your support is always welcome; the players would enjoy a bit of atmosphere.
By WebsiteCoordinator 03/07/25 0 comments
President`s Day held at Donna Mills` club, Stone Lodge, was great fun for all. A pleasant game of triples on all six rinks was enjoyed in (mostly) dry warm weather. The outcome, never in doubt, was a win for the President`s team.
After play concluded a very well supported raffle was held, which raised 231 pounds for Donna`s charity, the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Our final pleasure was sharing the delicious buffet meal in the Social Club. Donna was presented with a bouquet and dish by Lesley Dyer, President Elect, in recognition of her year as our President.
By WebsiteCoordinator 22/06/25 0 comments
Below are the programs that we have for the area finals.