It’s back-to-back golds
New Zealand’s Jo Edwards loves gold.
But there was a point in Sunday night’s women’s singles lawn bowls final that the Kiwi thought she might have to accept a change of hue.
Edwards became a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist after defending her title on the Gold Coast, beating Wales’ Laura Daniels 21-17 in the final at Broadbeach Bowls Club. She also won pairs gold with Sharon Sims in Manchester in 2002.
In the race to 21, Edwards trailed for most of a gripping contest against Daniels who had control at 15-10 up after 15 ends.
‘‘Halfway through, I thought ‘silver’s not a bad colour, but hey, don’t throw in the towel. Just try and score the next end, score the next end’,’’ Edwards said.
She produced a critical bowl to keep her in contention and admitted she took a risk.
‘‘I played probably a shot that probably wasn’t the best shot to play, but I was five down, was two down on the head and thought ‘I can’t drop a two’
‘‘I drove and got a little bit lucky - one of my bowls hung around and that I think was a little of the turning point. I got a really good three going back the next way which put me in front and put a bit of pressure on, and lucky enough ...’’
Edwards gradually clawed it back and the 22nd end was decisive as she took three to go 20-17 up after being frustrated for much of the game.
‘‘I’d do all the hard work to get back in it and then not get one close … I was like ‘god, sheesh …’. Constantly my first bowl was short.
‘‘Laura was playing so well. I wasn’t playing too bad, every move she did counteracted me and she got perfect results.’’
Edwards had four wins from five in section play, with her only defeat 21-17 to England’s Katherine Rednall.
As her New Zealand teammates in the women’s four, men’s triple and men’s pair all bowed out in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Edwards progressed with a 21-9 win over Malaysia’s Emma Saroji then booked her spot in the gold medal match with a 21-17 semifinal win over South Africa’s Colleen Piketh.
It was near enough to a home game for Edwards, who crossed the Tasman in January with husband Dave - a former Bowls NZ head coach - to play for the Pine Rivers club just over an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.
‘‘It’s not done any harm at all,’’ she said of the move. ‘‘I’ve been playing in the Queensland Premier League with and against all Queensland’s top men, and you’ve just got to stand up and you’ve got to lift your game to compete.’’