What an impressive weekend of bowls at the Lex Kimber Women's Development tournament hosted by Kia Toa, with South Canterbury Black sealing the win.

Overall Scores

South Canterbury Black - 27 points

Canterbury Country - 21 points

South Canterbury Green - 18 points 

North Otago - 6 points

On Saturday the South Canterbury Black team played Pairs of Chrissy Herbert and Carol Fowler of Pleasant Point,  and had one loss to Canterbury Country 13 - 15.  They also had two very good wins against South Canterbury Green and North Otago. 

In the Triples for South Canterbury Black (lead) Melissa Thomson (Waimate), Michelle Darby (Temuka) and (skip) Jo Lane had two outstanding wins with all three being first year rep bowlers and Michelle Darby in her first year of playing bowls.  With only one loss to Canterbury Country 16 - 18.

The South Canterbury Green team on Saturday played Pairs of Shell Mcgrath (Fairlie) and Mel Reid (Temuka) had two narrow losses and one win over North Otago 13 - 11.

In the Triples (lead) Lynne Hodges (Kia Toa), Helen Lowe (Waimate) and (skip) Bridget Anderson (Fairlie) had two losses and a great win over North Otago 19 - 10.

On Sunday the South Canterbury Black team were on a roll with the Fours and Singles setting a high bar with some outstanding bowls played over the day. 

Chrissy Herbert played lead in the Fours and set the way for Melissa Thomson, Michelle Darby and (skip) Jo Lane. They had two impressive wins over North Otago and South Canterbury Green and a slim loss to Canterbury Country 13 - 12.

Singles player Carol Fowler was on point getting all three wins for the day. Carol struggled to get started against Canterbury Country, but when she found her line she came to life and  made the game her own winning 19 - 16 with time running out.

South Canterbury Green on Sunday were super impressive, with Mel Reid playing singles having two great wins over Canterbury Country and North Otago, and one loss to Carol Fowler.

The Fours of (lead) Shell Mcgrath, Lynne Hodges, Helen Lowe and skip Bridget Anderson had two awesome wins over North Otago and Canterbury Country and one close loss to South Canterbury Black.

Both teams should hold their heads high.  A super effort and great to watch.  

As Selector I'm so proud of both teams, with their determination and sportsmanship shown over the whole weekend, and supporting and encouraging each other.  I'm lost for words and it makes my job very easy. The future of women's bowls is looking brighter. 

Thanks to Kia Toa for hosting the event and to the kitchen ladies, markers,  both umpires and controller.  And to those who took the time to come and support these ladies. 

 - Carolynn Darby