Women’s State Championships – Day 2 Wrap
Boddington Blitzes Field to Secure Third State Singles Title
Sarah Boddington knows singles. She understands that it can be a lonely game at times, but it can also be the most rewarding format. Coming into her semi-final of the 2021 Women’s State Singles Championship, she had a calm but determined demeanour. She looked focused on one goal – winning, and that’s exactly what she did.
Up against Michelle Smith (Gerringong) in her semi-final, she jumped out to a quick lead, peppering the jack with a beautiful display of draw bowling. Smith tried valiantly to get herself into the match, but Boddington was relentless, running away with a 25 – 3 win. Across the green, Tanya Chaffey was in a tight tussle against Merrill O’Sullivan (Dubbo City) in the other semi-final. Both players exchanged shots early, and Chaffey remained the more consistent of the two, running out a 25 – 11 winner.
In the final, it was a case of déjà vu as Boddington jumped out to a 14 – 1 lead. Her performance in these ends was clinical, jumping on the jack with her first two bowls and playing superbly weighted shots when needed. For many, playing against such quality would be too hard to handle, but credit must be given to Tanya Chaffey who stuck with Boddington, salvaging shots where possible – including a brilliant full count. Chaffey played well enough to beat most opponents, Boddington was just simply on another level. The 25 – 9 final score line doesn’t reflect how well Chaffey played, but it does prove how consistent Boddington was in the final.
This is Boddington’s third State Singles title and her first since 2013, proving that she is well and truly one of the best in the State in the format.
“Doing it for Mum” – Chaffey Dedicates Runner-Up Finish to her Mother
When asked how she felt about making it through to a State Singles Final, Temora’s Tanya Chaffey had a simple response, “honoured”. It’s a testament to the humility of Chaffey, who admits she had only been playing a few times in the lead up to the State Singles.
Like many, the last few years have been difficult with COVID and the ensuing lockdowns, and Chaffey also had to cope with the passing of her late mother. She gave up bowls for a while, but one day decided to enter herself into the Southern Slopes District Singles Championship. “Mum had been runner-up in the District Singles multiple times but never won it, so I said to myself that I’m going to enter it and go one better for her”. That’s exactly what Chaffey did, winning not only her District, but Region Singles Final to qualify for the State Championships. Now, she is the State Singles runner-up, and will have her name included in the honour roll of State finalist for years to come.
Chaffey was grateful for the support she had received from not only her hometown in Temora, but several spectators at Tamworth who willed her on. It’s fair to say that she has certainly done everyone proud, especially Mum.
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