Ladies at a village bowling club are preparing for a taste of competitive league action after forming the first all-women team in the club’s 84-year history.
Officials at Hanwood Bowling Club have entered a team in the Shrewsbury and District Ladies League for the first time, and also have the option to compete in the league’s cup competitions.
The fledgling team was formally welcomed to the league at the SDLL AGM on Monday night, and their first game will be at home to Shifnal B on April 24.
For many of the team it’s a chance to step away from the sidelines and join fellow family members playing bowls competitively. The youngest player in the squad is 13-year-old Sophie Phillips.
The team will be captained by Heather Evans. Club chairman Bill Longmore said the team had been formed after a number of women in the village took up an interest in the sport, and said he hoped the team would compete and grow for years to come.
The Hanwood club was formed in 1924 and enters three teams in the Tanners Shropshire Bowls League.
He said: “A few of the players have played for our teams but we have also seen a lot more women take an interest in playing bowls on a regular basis. Some of the players come and watch fellow family members play and now they are getting the chance to have a go themselves.
“Elaine Talbot has been watching her husband Phil and 14-year-old son Ben play for years, and now she has joined the team.”
Trish Jones, general secretary of the Shrewsbury and District Ladies League, said: “The Hanwood team was accepted to the league unanimously – it makes a pleasant change for us to be welcoming teams to the league as over the last few years we have lost a few.
“We are very happy to welcome them to the league.”
Anyone interested in joining the team can call Mr Longmore on 01743 860389.