Learmonth’s Addy Ryan and Melton’s Lily Dodd snare Bronze Medal in U18 Girls Pairs at The Nationals
It’s been a big year of lawn bowls for Learmonth’s Addy Ryan, culminating in a Bronze Medal at The Nationals in Western Australia last week.
Addy combined with Melton’s Lily Dodd in the 2023 Australian Under 18 Championships – Girls Pairs and finished third behind winners Maddison Jacobs & Amity Bickley (VIC) and runners-up Reese Finn-Young & Katie Astley (NSW)
The Girls Pairs took place on Saturday, 7th October 2023 at Sorrento Bowling Club and the 15yo emerging star relished the quicker greens out west.
“The greens were a lot quicker which suited my game and there was a lot more draw at Sorrento,” Addy said.
“Definitely around this time of year they have better quality greens to what I am used to back home and I really enjoyed playing on them.”
The constant pressure at The Nationals was something Addy also enjoyed.
“It’s a very different experience to the Tri Series I played recently,” Addy said.
“There’s top players from different states with different abilities and it’s a higher level of bowls from bowling around our normal level.”
“You’re under more pressure playing bowlers who play better for longer, and you also get tips off them which improves your game.”
“It was a great experience and winning the bronze medal with Lily was so exciting, and I was thankful to have the support of Brenton Coad and his parents who sat with me and supported me and cheered me on in my finals.”
“My Mum and Dad are also a great support to me, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Addy will have to adjust to Ballarat’s fickle weather and much slower greens this week playing second in Dave Kelly’s rink for Learmonth’s Round 2 pennant clash against BMS.
Fortunately for Addy, BMS’ synthetic greens will make the transition from Sorrento’s quicker greens a little easier.
Congratulations to Addy on her continued success representing state and region and best wishes for the season ahead.
The Nationals – Girls Pairs results
The Big V pairing of Maddison Jacobs and Amity Bickley enjoyed a remarkable day, going undefeated to net their state’s third under-18 gold at The Nationals.
Maddison and Amity stormed through their section, conquering all three matches with a combined shot difference of 45 as they set up a final against Reese Finn-Young & Katie Astley of New South Wales.
Reese had defeated Amity in last year’s singles final and this year’s Australian Open junior event, but this time the result would be flipped as the southern duo won an epic decider 19-17 to earn gold.
Gold: Maddison Jacobs & Amity Bickley (VIC)
Silver: Reese Finn-Young & Katie Astley (NSW)
Bronze: Addy Ryan & Lily Dodd (NSW/VIC Composite)
>>> View Girls Pairs results here
Check out all The Nationals results at BowlsLink.
Learmonth’s Addy Ryan and Melton’s Lily Dodd.