While young bowlers are dominating Bowls Australia’s grand prix circuit this season there are still quite a few seniors out there giving the young guns a run for their money.
Former Australian representative Betty Herbertson, 67, is one player still flying the flag for seniors at the elite level in bowls and she said she will continue to do so for some time yet.
Betty contested the recent Queensland Open in Brisbane and finished runner-up in the triples with fellow Merrylands Bowling Club members Anne Watson and Maryann Parcell.
The trio was sensational as they charged through the strong field only to lose to Australian squad members Sharyn Renshaw, Julie Keegan and Claire Duke 18-12 in the final.
One of five major events on the Bowls Australia grand prix circuit, the Queensland Open carried a prize pool of $30,000 and attracted the biggest names in the sport.
Betty also contested the blue-ribbon singles event as a qualifier, making it through to the last eight from a starting field of 64.
Her run was ended by 17-year-old schoolgirl Kelsey Cottrell who won the quarter-final clash in a tie-breaker before going on to claim the title against 23-year-old Claire Duke.
Younger players also contested the men’s singles final, with Robbie Thompson, 25, proving too good for 18-year-old Brent Cheyne winning in straight sets at the Cleveland Bowls Club.
Betty, who was a member of the Australian squad for three years in the early 90s and contested the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada, said she is happy taking on the younger players.
“I love seeing the young players coming through,” she said.
“It doesn’t worry me playing them at all. You don’t think of age, you just go out there and play your natural game.
“I give them all the encouragement under the sun.”
Betty played for Victoria for 11 years before moving north a few years ago and New South Wales selectors wasted little time picking her for the state team, rating her as one of their top 12 players.
In March this year she helped NSW secure the national championship and was part of a fours combination that did not lose a game in the seven-match round robin event.
Betty said her main focus today is helping younger players like 27-year-old Anne Watson who want to reach the top in the sport.
“I like playing with bowlers who want to achieve and working with them to help them fulfill their goals,” she said.
“And it is good playing in Bowls Australia’s grand prix events as it keeps you competitive.”