'I hope to change the face of female bowls'

JACK OF ALL TRADES . . . Sophie Rigney says she has become a more complete bowler.

SOPHIE Rigney wants to set an example for all young bowlers after creating history in the Green Final Bowling Handicap.

The Springbank youngster produced a display way beyond her 23 years to become the first lady winner of the Chronicle-supported competition.

Rigney also says her remarkable feat ­- she beat Matt Gillies, Keith Gledhill and John Ashton on finals night ­- sends out an important message to the sport that women are able to compete alongside the men at the highest level.

The former Failsworth School pupil said: "I want youngsters to experience what bowls has to offer and become a role model for them.

"To that end, I'm trying to get involved in junior teams.

"Youngsters need something to aspire to. I watched the Waterloo final when Andy Buckley won it a couple of years ago. That was the inspiration for me."

Rigney produced a superb performance at Moorside and Cricket Bowls Club.

In brushing aside three men who are so prominent on the local bowls scene, Rigney has laid down a marker for a long and successful career.

She also proved that women can take on and beat some of the best in the business.

Rigney, who started playing bowls ten years ago at Hollinwood Cricket, said: "Some men seem to have this perception that female bowlers can't reach, they don't strike and they're just there for the tea and biscuits.

"I'm hoping now that I can change the face of female bowls, because it hasn't got a good one at the minute.

"I play a lot of men who, because I'm a girl, think they can just chuck me in the corners, but I actually love corners.

"I like to think now that my game is starting to be more rounded, that I can do anything.

"I've played in a few competitions recently and I've noticed that I've maintained my consistency through them.

"Playing in competitions makes me think more of the type of bowls I'm sending. It kind of makes me play different bowls."

With the Green Final Bowling Handicap trophy safely tucked away, Rigney is now concentrating on making a splash at Blackpool in the famous Waterloo competition.

She begins her quest for the women's title on Sunday.

"It's my first time as a player at Waterloo.

"There will be lots of people there and if I get to the final it will be on TV as well."