Ruedavey shows nerves of steel in historic win

Di Ruedavey is the toast of Denison Bowling Club after her last bowl effort delivered an historic back-to-back Batavia Bowling League ladies title to the Seagulls last week.

The Denison girls, who held top position on the league table all season, held their nerve in a compelling final that was not decided until the final bowl.

The pressure was on Ruedavey, who needed to draw inside at least two of the Geraldton Gold’s four shots to avoid a drawn result.

The bowl left her hand with precision, and after its 26m journey, rested on the shot bowl to claim second shot and the grand final result.

High-fives, jumping, hugs and elation followed.

Both teams were in control at different stages before Denison eventually took the match 67- 65.

With just three ends remaining, the Denison girls looked home with an 11-shot margin over the Geraldton side, but dropped eight shots on two of the rinks, reducing the deficit to three with one end to play.

Geraldton Gold looked to be on the edge of an unlikely victory after they held four shots, until Ruedavey stepped up to the mat.

The Jackie Bavcevich, combination defeated Lee Poletti 22/15, with perhaps one end the only difference in the two combatants.

Meanwhile, Di Hobbs’ quartet won 29/25 against Barbara Armstrong, with the reigning combination at one stage leading 16/1.

The final match saw Geraldton’s side skippered by Kathleen Hill defeat the Di Ruedavey led foursome 25/16 to force the nail-biting finish.

The second division final resulted in a five-shot victory to Geraldton Gold over Denison (39/34) in another outstanding match.