NO matter the result at the upcoming Women's Bowls NSW Pennant Finals, Muswellbrook has every right to feel proud of its representatives.
The grade three line-up - Sandra Cowan, Norma Hollins, Kay Collins, Barbara McPhee (skip); Denise Hopwood, Jenny Hamson, Kay Noble and Eryn Brown (skip) - is venturing to the Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club, from August 14 to 18, to lock horns with the state's best.
Not a bad feat for such a small organisation after prevailing at district and regional level in 2019.
"I'll admit, our success at Cessnock shocked the pants off us," team manager and reserve Bettina Wilson said.
"We did nicely to claim the district flag, but we headed to the regional play-offs without much expectation.
"So, to then beat Lemon Tree Passage and Kurri Kurri was a big achievement.
"However, the girls combined extremely well.
"And, we'll need to play as a team again in the state finals in August.
"It will be much harder bowls up there, no doubt about it."
The Muswellbrook RSL Women's Bowling Club (RSL WBC) was first affiliated in 1965 with a membership of 65.
When the RSL Club underwent building works, the players amalgamated with the Muswellbrook Bowling Club (MBC) who boasted 31 members.
In 2005, following all the renovations and the completion of new greens, the organisation reverted back to the Muswellbrook RSL WBC, with a few newcomers from MBC.
The only member from MBC still there is Dorothy Moore, who just celebrated 52 years of bowling.
"So, the girls have done a wonderful job, considering our membership is a mere 16 affiliates these days," Wilson said.
"It's a massive effort to get that far.
"Full credit must go to all of them.
"Even though our age is up there, so is the experience.
"They are dedicated, hard-working bowlers - that's all you can ask for.
"The club wishes them every success at the state finals."
To help the women achieve their goal, Wilson is hoping the Muswellbrook RSL WBC can pick up some sponsorship, too.
"It's an expensive trip, seven days up there," she said.
"So, a bit of financial assistance would be good."
