A Gilwern lady who only took up bowling two years ago has just returned from representing Wales at the first ever Para Bowls Home Nations tournament held in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre.

Erica Price suffered a stroke 35 years ago at the age of 23 which left her completely paralyzed down the right side of her body.

In 2013 she joined Gilwern Ladies Bowls Club, and proved such a natural at the sport that she now has the honour of being the only capped player to have bowled a bowl at the Gilwern Club.

Erica explained, “Following my initial introduction to the sport at Gilwern Ladies Bowls Club in 2013, I looked into the possibility of competing within the Para Bowls section of the sport.”

Erica was introduced to Disability Sport Wales and attended a Para Bowls Development Day held in association with the Welsh Bowls Federation at the Indoor Bowls Centre in Llandrindod.

The keen bowler told the Chronicle, “On the basis of that day a squad of bowlers were picked to represent Wales in the Home Nations Championships, and I couldn’t believe I was one of them. I was over the moon.”

Making the trip to Glasgow with 10 other bowlers who were physically disabled, and four who were blind or visually impaired, Erica confesses she was extremely nervous at first about meeting the rest of the squad.

“The adrenaline was pumping through my veins and I was more than a little jittery at meeting 14 strangers, but they were all such a great bunch of people and we got on really well.

“The Team Manager John Wilson was especially brilliant and put us all at ease.”

Having met the team and touched down in bonnie Scotland, Erica described the opening ceremony as “an amazing experience.”

“Walking onto the green accompanied by the sound of bagpipes followed by the anthems, wow! Not a dry eye in kelvingrove.”

Yet after the fanfare it was now time for Erica to turn her attention to the business end of things.

Thrust straight into the thick of it after being asked to bowl the first jack, Erica then went on to play four games, helping Wales achieve a very creditable second place, beaten only by the natives of Scotland who had the home advantage in their favor.

Erica told the Chronicle, “I really gave my all and I’m shattered now. I’m still suffering big time from all the intensive bowling, and although we didn’t get first place, we did manage to beat England,” laughed the southpaw of the Gilwern greens.

Erica added, “The event itself was just out of this world and a real eye opener. It completely reaffirmed my love for bowling, a sport which I was only introduced to quite late in life, but a sport I’ve found to be very social and very accepting, and played on a very level playing field.”

Husband Chris said, “I’m so proud of Erica. She really did well in Glasgow and her achievement is a true testament to the old adage, where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The Chairman of Gilwern Bowls Club, Dennis Watkins said, “On behalf of the club I’d like to congratulate Erica on her massive achievement and let’s hope this first cap is just the beginning of a great adventure.”