Sandra claims crown

Yamba Women’s Bowls Club’s Major Singles champion Sandra Ferro, left, with runner-up Liz Skinner.

IT was billed as a blockbuster, and the pair who contested the final ensured the Yamba Women’s Bowling Club’s Major Singles championship lived up to the hype.

But at the end only one could claim the title.

Sandra Ferro has been crowned 2011 champion after edging out Liz Skinner in a dramatic grand final.

In a match that had something for everybody, Ferro fought her way back from an early 10-shot deficit to beat Skinner 31-30.

Ferro’s triumph was only sealed on the final end when, with the scores locked at 30-30 and Ferro three down in the head, she found something special.

With her final bowl Ferro trailed the jack to take one and the game.

Such was the quality of the final that the large crowd gave both players a standing ovation.

The match started under heavy skies but both ladies settled into their game early with Skinner leading 15-12 after 19 ends.

Skinner then gained some momentum, playing lovely draw bowls to stretch her lead to 10 on the 23rd end.

Skinner continued to dominate play, leading 26-15 after 28 ends despite Ferro’s best efforts.

A series of very tight ends allowed a determined Ferro to reduce the deficit to 26-22 before she picked up a four to draw level at 26-26 and set the scene for one of the most dramatic finishes to this competition in recent years.

The lead changed hands several times during the final ends with Ferro leading 30-29 and holding shot on the penultimate end.

However, Skinner sat out Ferro’s shot bowl to draw level at 30-30 and send it into the final and deciding end.

It was a game truly worthy of a final between two fine players and played in the finest sporting spirit.

Ferro was thrilled to claim the first Major Singles championship of her substantial career, and Skinner was most gracious in defeat.