Late Starter Singled Out For Big Title

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Joel Ritchie

WHEN it comes to bowls, it is better late than never for Marlene Crandon.

Marlene recently won the Corrimal Women's Bowling Club major singles title, just under two years after taking up the game.

She defeated Lorraine Neilson 31-28 in the final to seal the biggest victory of a career that started in July 2006.

Marlene took up bowls after a degenerative eye disorder ended her 15-year, A-grade golf career with Kembla Grange.

"I came home one day and said to (husband) Don 'I'm finished with golf, I can't see the ball'," Marlene said.

Don also threw away his sticks, and the husband-and-wife duo took to the bowling green.

In 2007, Marlene won Corrimal's minor and consistency singles titles and finished runner-up in the handicap singles and pairs (with Pat Purdie).

"I wish I took bowls up 20 years ago - it's a wonderful game," Marlene said.

"The social side of bowls is absolutely great, plus it requires a lot of concentration.

"It's a challenge, and when you're on your own, you only have yourself to blame if you're playing singles.

"Bowls felt right the moment I started playing."

Marlene is gearing up for her biggest challenge to date: the Illawarra Women's Champion of Champion Singles tournament, which starts in July.

"I will do my best, but I will be the most inexperienced bowler there," Marlene said.

"I have just been very lucky.

"I never expected to win anything, I just went in there and had a go.

"I'm very competitive. I roll up at Corrimal most days and put a lot into it."

Marlene receives pointers from Corrimal coach John Green and has rubbed shoulders with club legend Merle Richardson.

"I've had a good coach in John; if I'm going off a bit he'll have a look at what I'm doing," Marlene said.

"Merle has taught me a lot, especially about etiquette."