Veteran bowler remains humble about her achievements

Wilma Richardson, member of Northmead Bowling Club, recently won the Veterans Bowls SA Masters.

“I won all of my games, playing five games and a final,” explained Richardson.

“I always said I was too old to become a Springbok because most times you have to be younger then 50, so my aim was to at least win the SA Masters and become a veteran, which I have now done and am very pleased with.”

Her final game was played against Nan Roos, a friend of hers who plays in Edenvale, the final score being 21-16.

“I met her at nationals, so knowing each other and playing each other in the final was very fun.”

Richardson’s ex-husband used to play at the Northmead Bowling Club while she watched from the side lines.

Having been there almost every weekend she started to get the taste for bowls.

“Cliffy Cookson started coaching me in 2000. You can’t play bowls without having a coach first, there is a lot you’ll need to learn first,” she explained.

“He coached me for about six weeks before he and I felt ready for me to be on my own.

“I started playing just for fun at the Northmead Bowling Club when other players started to approach me saying I play quite well and they would like for me to play for their team.

“Merle Wiemers asked me to play for their team alongside Marion What and Pricilla Rowe. I played for them for a couple of years, entering league games, district competitions and nationals.”

When Richardson was ready to spread her wings in 2008, she decided to try playing with some other players and build herself up to new ranks.

“I started to play pairs with Margaret Cousins and play with other teams and people just trying out new techniques and broadening my knowledge on bowls,” she said.

Starting in 2003, Richardson played for the lower league and rapidly moved to the premier league.

“The club you play for will select the best team to play on behalf of the club.

“Just like me with the Northmead Bowling Club, the club becomes like your family, you won’t want to just leave.

“You team up with players and they become your team and club forever,” she said.

Richardson enjoys her bowls and feels this is her sport, although she did play other sports while in school.

“I tried soccer in matric. A friend of mine invited me to play a match against Jeppe.

“I was totally exhausted. I thought I was so fit but ended up lying under a tree to catch my breath.

“That is when I realised soccer is definitely not for me,” she said.

Bowls was the way to go for Richardson. She racked up many achievements that she remains very modest towards.

Although Richardson has tons of awards and achievements she can be proud of, she always manages to stay humble.

“I am so sorry that I didn’t start playing earlier. Bowls is not just for seniors, its very youthful as well.

You build friendships and have the best time.

“I don’t know of one time I left the Northmead Bowling Club feeling negative. I always left after a few games in such a positive and happy mood.

“If I can help influence young people to take up a sport, I would advise them to take up bowls. You still need to be fit, put the effort in and work hard, but you will have the best time doing it,” she concluded.