Marlene’s a quick learner

DAVID HALL

When it comes to instant success, the name of Marlene Crandon immediately comes to mind after taking out the Corrimal Bowling Club’s singles title in only her second year of bowls.

Marlene is the toast of the club after winning the title last week when she downed Lorraine Neilson in a trilling final 31-29, but despite her relative inexperience, no one should be surprised by her meteoric rise to the top of the club rankings.

She retired after playing golf with the Kembla Grange Club for 15 years after macular degeneration in her eyes made it difficult and less enjoyable to play and took up bowls as her new sport and her rise to the top has been remarkable.

Less that a year after taking up the game, she won the club minor singles title and by the end of the year had also added the club Consistency title and was runner-up in both the Pairs and Handicap Singles.

But this failed to quash her thirst for success and last week she added the Club Singles title to her already impressive resume.

“You could say that I am very competitive,” Marlene said with a smile.

“But honestly I am very happy and proud to have won the Corrimal title and to win it so soon is a bonus,” she added.

She paid special tribute to her club coach John Green for his efforts and great support and also Corrimal and Illawarra bowls legend Merle Richardson who she describes as her ‘mentor’.

“Merle has been a wonderful help to me – she encourages me at every turn and to have someone like her giving advice is wonderful and we also have a ‘roll-up’ on occasions,” Marlene added.

Merle also paid tribute to Marlene, describing her as very dedicated and hard working.

“She practices or plays almost every day and has shown a real dedication to the game and it is lovely to see someone who tries so hard doing well.” Merle said.