There will be new name on the Foster's ladies team trophy after two epic semi-finals at the Imperial Hotel today. (Monday)

Northern Ireland stunned defending champions England 8-6 and Wales overcame Australia 8-7.

And the results delighted respective team managers, Denise Warrington and Anne Meadows.

"We've been in so many finals and always lost," said Meadows.

"I'm fed up of being the bridesmaid. I want to be the bride."

The Welsh girls came from 7-6 down to win the last two frames with Laura Pearce beating Margaret Gorski and Collette Henriksen getting the better of Rebecca Welsh.

"We've got more final experience than the Northern Ireland girls but they have a very strong team," added Meadows.

"We managed to beat them twice in the group stages.

"But I am sure they will be looking to put that right in the final."

The Welsh squad includes rankings leader Laura Pearce and Sharon Dickson who is equal second.

But the 'Nordies' are on a high after stunning Shirley Jewkes' England stars.

"The hand of Jo Kent won it for us," grinned Warrington. "And just in case we needed back up, we also had Emma Cunningham in the last match.

"I've always thought we were going to win it this year. We were runners-up to France in 2006 and we want to go one better this time.

"Usually, in the past, someone has had a grump and spat their dummy out.

"But we sat them down this year, gave them a team talk and told them we needed to pull together."

However, Warrington and co manager John McAllister were forced to make an agonising decision before their semi-final.

They opted to draft in new mum Natalie Madden who had been unavailable for the previous games.

"It was a really tough decision," admitted Warrington. "But we decided to make it because we wanted to make sure we had our strongest side out."

Madden won two of her three frames to justify the call while Stacey 'Magic Fingers' McConnell also dropped just one frame.

Captain Michelle Rooney chipped in with a vital success and former world champ Cunningham won two in a historic victory.

Kent's winning shot almost took the roof off at the Imperial Hotel.

"We make the most noise and if we don't people ask 'what's up with the Nordies?'" grinned Warrington.

"The Welsh girls are really good and they've been our bogey team.

"By my team has got heart and soul and I am sure it will be our year at last."

 

Trevor Baxter
Press Officer