The path to the final was a tough road and there were a few cliff-hangers - in particular, her second match, when trailing 21-12, Shirley clung on tenaciously by winning all the remaining ends to salute 25-21. 

Spectators were again at the edge of their seats with a tight 25-24 win over Judith Cruise from Sawtell in the semi-final, and after a cut-and-thrust tussle, a 26-23 final victory against Julie Alford from West Coffs

The U5s is a district fixture for bowlers who have been playing for less than five years.

Shirley, also a keen golfer, took up the game at the Nambucca Heads club towards the end of 2011 and since then has demonstrated her natural ability for the sport. 

Now at the Urunga club, she has enjoyed many victories with her bowling mates in 2014 including: the Major Pairs with Brenda Fane, a member of the Grade 4 winning pennants side, part of the District Triples with Kath McPhail and Brenda, member of the Mixed Fours, and with Brenda a semi-finals match against the world and Commonwealth champion, Karen Murphy and her partner Kay Moran, at the State Champion of Champions Pairs at Warilla.

Shirley contributes to the operation of the Urunga Bowling Club in her capacity as treasurer and in her leisure time she is a gifted artist, her favourite medium being pastels. She has won the Macksville Show's Champion of Champions art show and this year the Mantova Memorial Art Competition at the Bellingen Show.

Before coming to live on the Mid North Coast, Shirley started her career as a Physical Education, English and Art teacher. She then took up a position in the public service in Canberra and in 2002 she was the recipient of the Public Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday honours of 2002. 

Urunga members are proud of Shirley's achievements and feel confident she has set the foundations for a bright future in the sport.

PAT CHAPMAN