Illawarra reclaimed the prized Howard Shield following a stunning victory over Newcastle Association at Albion Park Bowling Club.
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The annual fixture between the Steel City rivals has been running since 1962 with Illawarra winning back the trophy with a 148-123 shot win.
Newcastle edged the hosts on rinks, 4-3, but Dapto Huntley skip Kim Suckley and partners Nicole Grogan (Windang), Pat Hennessy (Kiama) and Sophia Paseka (Dapto) won their rink 37-6 which proved decisive in the overall result.
Julea Morgan also had a huge 28-9 win, while Nada Jones and partners won 18-16. Margo Brandes was beaten by a shot 19-18, while Pat Purdie lost 22-18 and Jackie Kirk’s rink lost by nine shots.
Newcastle were boasted by Australia star Natasha Scott who showed her class in a strong win over Illawarra’s Leone Barnett, whose rink was handed the toughest match-up.
Warilla’s Julea Morgan has played in more than 30 Howard Shields and represented Illawarra for more than three decades.
‘’The competition is fierce but before and after the match it’s fantastic to catch up with the Newcastle girls,’’ Morgan said.
‘’You play against the Newcastle ladies at other rep events, plus state playoffs and championships so we all get to know each other quite well over the years.
“It’s one of the most enjoyable days on the calendar.’’
Morgan says among her favourite Howard Shield memories is a tight victory at Woonona Bowling Club just a few years ago
‘’It went right down to the wire and we won by just four of five shots overall,’’ she said.
‘’It was the 100th anniversary of bowls at Woonona and our rink was decided on the last bowl and it was thrilling day of bowls against a very good team.
Newcastle always have some state and even Australian reps in their team so every time we play them it is a big test for us.’’
The Howard Shield was initiated by Mrs Wise from Woonona BC in November 1960 to honour Vi Howard, the first president of the South Coast District Women’s Bowling Association, now known as the Illawarra District Women’s Bowling Association.
The first Howard Shield was played at Woonona BC on February 28, 1962.
This year Illawarra clubs Warilla, Windang, Dapto Citizens, Kiama, Corrimal, Dapto Huntley, Bellambi, Figtree RSL and Oak Flats had players in the Howard Shield squad. Warilla with eight representatives and Windang with six bowlers ensured the two clubs made up half the squad of 28.
Albion Park has proved a happy hosting venue for Illawarra, who also beat Newcastle in 2016 to win back the Shield.
Newcastle still lead the head-to-head 37-19 and are hosts in 2019.
The format of the competition has been unchanged in over 60 years with each team providing 28 bowlers who form seven rinks of fours.
HOWARD SHIELD
Steel City women’s representative fixture
Illawarra 148 d Newcastle 123