THE EUROPEAN Lawn Bowls Championships, recently held at Northfield Bowling Club in Ayr, Scotland, saw a triumphant performance from Port Talbot bowlers, who secured gold in the women’s triples event for Wales.
Jodie McCarthy and Sara Marie Nicholls, from Port Talbot Ladies Bowling Club, teamed up with Caroline Taylor from Berriew Bowling Club to claim a gold medal.
During sectional play, the Welsh women’s triples team registered wins against the Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the Isle of Man. Despite losses to Ireland and Guernsey, they finished second in their group, earning a spot in the semi-finals, where they faced England. Wales took an early 16-3 lead, but England fought back to level the score at 17-17. In a thrilling final end, the Welsh skip secured the winning shot, sending the team to the final and guaranteeing a medal.
In the final, they defeated Scotland’s trio—Emma McIntyre, Megan Gratham, and Gail Notman—with a 20-12 win, securing the gold medal.
Jodie McCarthy also won a bronze medal in the women’s fours event alongside Lauren Gowen, Emma Gittins and Caroline Taylor following a convincing semi final win against England.
This year’s European Championships also introduced para events for the first time, with Port Talbot’s Julie Thomas and her director Alison Peters joining Steffan James and his director Chris Daniels. The Welsh para team dominated the competition, remaining undefeated throughout. They secured victories against Scotland (12-7), Israel (14-4), and Ireland (13-4), earning a spot in the final. Facing Scotland again, the teams were tied on the last end, but Wales clinched the decisive shot to win another gold.
Port Talbot Ladies bowlers have enjoyed a stellar season, having won three singles titles at the Welsh National Championships last month. Jasmine Staton claimed the Under-25 Singles title, Bethan Russ won the Open Singles, and Sara Marie Nicholls triumphed in the national 2 Wood competition. Their outstanding season was crowned by the gold medal at the European Championships.
A golden moment for Port Talbot bowlers and a season to remember!
