Hail first lady of the Green Fina

SILVER LINING . . . winner Sophie Rigney and runner-up John Ashton.

SOPHIE Rigney put the men in their place as history was made in the 2016 Green Final Bowling Handicap.

The 23-year-old, from Failsworth, became the first lady winner of the Chronicle-backed competition since its inception in 1922.

And Springbank ace Rigney did it in style on a rain-swept evening at Moorside Cricket and Bowling Club.

She beat finals night favourite Matt Gillies 21-17 in the last eight, followed by Keith Gledhill 21-15 and John Ashton 21-7.

Rigney's performance against Ashton was quite simply outstanding.

Playing short or in the corners, she continually kept her Royton Cricket opponent under pressure in the final.

Rigney, the 25-1 outsider, said: "It's such a shock, I can't believe it. I'm just so happy that I'm the first woman to win it.

"It's all been a shock really, from beating Matt.

"Matt, on paper, was the best bowler in the finals.

"I had done amazingly to get this far and when I drew Matt, I knew if I could play as well as I did in the qualifiers, I would have a chance.

"I had a five start as well (against Matt), which helps, and also the pressure was off me, because I was the underdog.

"I felt nervous before I arrived and then adrenaline took over."

Ashton's route to the final saw him overcome Andy Murray 21-17 and home player Geoff Woolley 21-14.

He was, though, no match for Rigney.

Although Rigney had a three start, her dominance was such that she led 17-3 at one stage.

She added: "I had a game plan in mind, where if they had the jack, I would try to get it off them as quickly as possible - I wouldn't let them get on a mark.

"Psychologically, I don't want to be behind in my games - I always want to stay a couple in front.

"In the final, I managed to get a nice mark going and never looked back."