2013 Rose Bowl
On Friday 22nd November 28 Central Coast and Newcastle Districts met to play for the Rose Bowl Trophy. This annual event was established in 1978 and Central Coast are the defending champions having won the coveted trophy last year for the first time since 2003.
The day began with thunderstorms which caused some doubt as to whether play would eventuate. Wyong Club was well prepared with tea and scones for all. Central Coast President Pat Frewin welcomed Newcastle President Helen Abbott, committees and players and wished all a happy day. The storms cleared after morning tea and the 28 selected players [in teams of 4] from each district took the green to 'do battle' in a friendly way. The "Duckworth-Frewin" rule was used and play was shortened to an appropriate time for the event.
Central Coast made a great start and after 6 ends most home teams were leading their opponents on the scoreboard. Some great shots were played by both sides and the weather improved making conditions quite good. After 21 ends the Central Coast led 28 shots to 11. Hopes were high for us to retain the trophy. However, Newcastle had their sights set on the Rose Bowl. The clouds began to break up and a little breeze arrived.
The bowling standard was high and even the sun came out to watch! By the 56th end the score was even at 49 shots a piece. A cliffhanger! By the 77th end it was still close with Newcastle on 68 and Central Coast on 62. But retaining the Rose Bowl wasn't to be for the home side, play continued on very competitively but as the bell rang for the end of the match Newcastle became the worthy winners on corrected scores, 98 to 94, due to a shortened match. Players retired to the clubhouse for a delicious lunch and a social end to the day.
President Pat Frewin congratulated Newcastle and presented the beautiful Rose Bowl trophy to a smiling President Helen Abbot. Let's hope that next year our girls will be bringing it back home to our place.
Article and photos by Lesley Mason, Publicity Officer
