Huddersfield Ladies Merit winner

Bowling News

Report by Hazel Rangeley

A new Huddersfield Ladies Merit winner emerged at Hemplow last Sunday (1 June). In the usual Marsden conditions we have come to expect of wind, rain, sun, and more wind, rain and sun, Rachel Byram was in fantastic form for five games, defeating Jenny Marshall in the final, to became the Champion Bowler of the Huddersfield Ladies League 2025.

The quarter-final games went as follows:

Jessica Sykes 21 Lorraine Hirst 19, Jenny Marshall 21 Dawn Jessop 13, Rachel Byram 21 Linda Drury 17, Katy Atkinson 21 Yeolande Sykes 15.

Progressing through to the semi finals, it was good see a new generation of talent in the form of Jessica who did little wrong in losing to Jenny 21- 12.

The other semi-final between friends and successful pairs partners, lifting the Olive Parr Pairs only a few weeks ago, were Rachel and Katy. At 10-0 up Katy had what looked like a very commanding lead. A string of 4 twos and a single however and Rachel was making her presence felt. Katy dug in again and had a lead of 17-10 only to see Rachel win the next 5 ends and a score or 16-17.  A few hard fought singles followed resulting in a tense and exciting finish with 21-19 victory for Rachel.

Neither Jenny or Rachel had won the Merit before so a new champion was guaranteed.  Both were in seriously good form and those spectating were divided in who they thought would win and who they wanted to win. Jenny had had an easier passage to the final with convincing wins in which her opponents maximum score was 13. Rachel on the other hand had to battle hard to win both her quarter and semi-final. 

The final saw Rachel continue in fine form, but much to Jenny's dismay the superb earlier form deserted her when she needed it most. The final score being 21-12 to Rachel. Congratulations to Rachel and to Jenny, both were admirable and gracious finalists.

Many thanks go to Hemplow for their hospitality throughout the day and for measuring in some inclement weather. Thanks also to Toni Agnew for the continued sponsorship of this event, it is much appreciated.

The photo shows (left to right) Rachel Byram the Champion, Toni Agnew (sponsor) and Jenny Marshall the runner up.