Newcastle Regain Howard Shield

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday January 23, 2008

Mike Driscoll

NEWCASTLE proved too strong for Illawarra in the annual clash for the prestigious Howard Shield, held at Woonona Bowling Club.

First played for in 1962, the annual event features the top bowlers from Newcastle and Illawarra.

Last Friday's competition format was 21 ends of fours, with the 28 players in each squad divided into seven teams.

The Illawarra skips this year were Margot Brandes, Leone Barnett, Shirley Lindsay, Lorry Duffy, Julea Morgan, Sue Wood and Reta Ledgerwood.

After holding the Howard Shield for the past two years, Illawarra were overwhelmed by the strong Newcastle combination, losing 148 shots to 116.

Illawarra won three of the seven rinks overall.

In their 46 annual meetings for the shield, Newcastle have dominated, winning 33 times.

Next year a Newcastle club will host the annual contest which is scheduled during January.