Sandy Bay survives in grand final replay

REIGNING champions Sandy Bay had to work hard to overcome a spirited Sorell by two shots in a replay of last season’s grand final in the first round of the season in Bowls Tasmania South Women’s Division One on Tuesday.

Chris Dowl’s six-shot win over Faye Gardner gave Sandy Bay the buffer to win overall.

Gardner had the edge early in the game with Gwen Scott leading steadily. A six to Dowl on the 11th end was the impetus the Bay needed to secure a rink win. Sorell won on the other two rinks.

Robyn Leggett lost to Jan Cowen after dropping a telling five shots on the 10th end. Leg- gett clawed her way back but Cowen held on to win by one.

It was then up to the Yvonne Buckley-Julianne Pursell clash to determine the overall winner. The game went down to the line with Pursell ahead by four shots going into the last end. Buckley’s last bowl pushed up Laura Best’s front bowl to shot. Pursell won by three shots but Sandy Bay had a hard-won overall win by two.

Buckingham beat Howrah by four shots. June Guy had an eight-shot win over Charon Foster.

Skipping for the first time in division one, Janet Rutherford picked up three shots on the last two ends to force a draw with Rosie Geeves. Howrah won on the other rink with Sandra Hawkesley finishing four shots in front of Jeanette Lane.

Claremont had a solid nineshot win over a depleted King- borough. Recruit Maree Morgan led the way for Claremont with a five-shot win over Frances Phillips and Gaye Coleman beat Vicki Bannister by four shots. Joy Voss and Greta Murray had a draw.

Despite winning on only one rink, Brighton hung on to defeat Rosny Park by two shots.

And Dover RSL was playing at home and defeated Glenorchy Rodman by 22 shots.