Derbyshire ace named Cyclo-ssage/Henselite Bowls England Woman Bowler of the Year

Derbyshire's Jean Baker has been named Cyclo-ssage/Henselite Bowls England Woman Bowler of the Year for 2009.

England international Baker rewrote the record books with her victory in the Women's National Pairs Championship alongside Lynne Bowen at Royal Leamington Spa - as it was the only major national outdoor title she had not previously lifted.

She is now the only woman to have won all six major national titles - Four-wood, Two-wood and Champion of Champions singles plus the Pairs, Triples and Fours.

David Rhys Jones, who presented the award on behalf of the bowls press at the Women's Annual Dinner and Presentation on Friday 20th November, said: "Jean has represented England at world and Commonwealth level, and is one of the most annoyingly consistent performers on the green. What's more, in her role as county secretary, she works hard to promote bowls, and is active in encouraging young bowlers to take up the sport. Indeed, with Lynne deciding to play in Worcestershire, Jean will be pairing up with one of her young protégés Emma Jackson next season."

Jean won the award ahead of several other strong candidates this year including Amy Monkhouse (Lincolnshire), Natalie Melmore (Devon) and Jayne Croxall (Nottinghamshire).

Tony Allcock MBE, Chief Executive of Bowls England, added: "Jean has been a terrific servant to the sport of bowls, on and off the green, for many years and this award is very well-deserved."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

This is the 20th time that this award has been made. This year, the winner, chosen as usual by the bowls press, will receive the handsome Rose Bowl, a Magnum of Moet & Chandon Champagne, and a special present from the Greengauge Group, who distribute Henselite bowls and bowls gear in the United Kingdom.