Inter-Zone Shield Finals 09 preview

The IIBA have at last given the inter-zone shield finals the credence they deserve by playing the two finals on their own day. Usually they are played on the same day as the main competition finals and therefore get overshadowed which has given the impression that they have less importance. Ask any of the players involved and they will tell you that it is not an ordinary game as the nerves increase due to the fact that it is a final and a trophy is at stake. A final always makes the adrenaline flow, add to that the excitement and the formula equals a big game for the players and spectators.

These finals can produce equal thrills and intensity as the main competitions and are a big occasion for all those taking part but especially for the lower ranked zones which do not have the resources to reach the main final. The nerves will be jangling until the first end has been played and if the bowls have not arrived at their prescribed destination the tension will roll over to the next end and continue to mount. 

A purpose has to be established and clearly set out for the shield competitions. 

Are they to give teams a second game or
are they to be used as a way to promote bowls and therefore be an encouragement for all except the top zones?

There is little benefit to bowls if some zones who are capable of winning the main competition are being rewarded by entry into the shield thereby depriving the less capable (but every bit as enthusiastic) zones of the chance to win silverware. Winning silverware can invigorate a zone and increase their confidence for the following season. Would using it as a building block to be more competitive in the main cup not be a more progressive approach for the shield competitions?

Shield Final North West v Lisburn

One of the criteria for winning finals is who can best deal with the pressure of the occasion and in the case of North West the high expectation that comes with being favourites.

The ladies final will be held in Limavady with hosts North West hot favourites to successfully defend the trophy against Lisburn ladies. North West would be considered to be one of the top ten ladies zoneteams who get better as the season progresses. Lisburn have the potential to perform but they lack self belief which in turn produces inconsistency.

North West are a proven quality in the shield and have won it twice within the last three seasons showing that on the day they can deal with the outside pressures associated with a final and concentrate on their game. Often the first team to settle goes on to produce the best performance however the previous experience of the North West team should ensure that they do not panic if they get off to a slow start while at the same time they will know how telling it can be on the opposition to get off to a good start.

Having been in recent finals gives the hosts an advantage of dealing with the situation that confronts them. Lisburn do not have that experience and will need to approach this final as if it was another game and go in without any fear. How Lisburn start will be very important for the outcome and if they go into the game suffering from excessive nerves then their task will be made even more difficult. The advantage that they have is the element of surprise. If the visitors can hold the hosts over the first period of the game then the pressure will mount on the hosts and if Lisburn can be within touching distance over the closing ends then the momentum may well be in their favour as North West could tighten up and get more and more anxious as the game draws to a conclusion. 

Lisburn delivered one of their best performances of the past three years in the semi final win away to Monaghan while North West struggled to overcome North Eastern. The game could be closer than anticipated and the most decisive factor will be which Lisburn turns up. They are very capable but will have to be at their best to dislodge the trophy from an experienced North West outfit.

It should add up to an interesting game from the very first end and as in all sport it is who performs on the day. Being called favourites or underdogs will not matter the labels are only psychological yet the outcome of big games can depend on which team is mentally prepared to produce their best.