Like a fine red wine, Carol Sanbrook seems to be getting better with age.
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After 28 years on the greens, Sanbrook has qualified for her first attempt at the NSW state play-offs.
She will take on some of the best lawn bowlers in the state after securing her place in both the open singles and the senior pairs.
She can’t wait for the experience, even if she is a little daunted by the prospect.
“They reckon it is great as your name is everywhere, you have your place mat with your name on it and they go to a lot of trouble,” Sanbrook said.
Sanbrook has already packed her “security blanket” to ensure she is right on her game.
“When I get nervous my hands sweat,” she said.
“But I have a little green cloth which everyone wants to pinch it off me as they reckon it is my security blanket.
“I’ve got it in the bag, I won’t leave that behind.”
After just falling short last year, Sanbrook was thrilled she was able to get the better of Elisa Hines and qualify for the next level.
“I’ve had a couple times of trying to get there but it just didn’t come through,” she said.
“But I did beat the lady that beat me last time in the singles.”
Sanbrook won both of her games at the district level to book her place.
She got the better of the Young-based Hines 25-18 and was also too strong for West Wyalong’s Fiona Hartwig, winning 25-14.
Sanbrook also qualified for the seniors pairs, the first time the event will be played for at the state level.
Sanbrook was set to compete in the senior pairs alongside Pam Crawford, however a late change was required.
With Crawford not well enough to make the trip north, Junee bowler Pat Wray has been brought into the team.
While disappointed that Crawford wasn’t able to experience the play-offs for herself, Sanbrook is confident Wray will step up to the mark.
“The poor thing has fought all the way through, as we played five rounds to get in the final, and now she is sick,” Sanbrook said.
“I feel sad for her.
“But Pat is an excellent lead.”
The 68-year-old qualified after a busy weekend in July, where she had to play 340 bowls over two days.
She just missed out on being part of the senior fours team, who fell one shot short of qualifying following an earlier draw.
Sanbrook travels to Tuncurry on Wednesday and will play in the senior pairs on Friday and Saturday before the singles of Sunday and Monday.
Both events are knockouts.
She is expecting some faster greens during the event.