Peter Hughes, coach of Sturt I in the elimination semi-final against Club Tranmere III on Thursday 5 March 2026, said the "perfect conditions at Kensington set the scene for an epic battle against Tranmere".
"Tranmere have a strong Women’s Pennant program with all three of their sides in finals."
"Early on, it was a game of swings and balances. One Sturt rink was down 0-10 while Wendy Rutten's rink (with Sharon Gray, Terry Morgan and Joanne Kirby) gave us an inspiring start with 11-0.
"Their start enabled the whole side to retain their early confidence."
Meanwhile, the crowd grew. "The early count had 32 Sturt supporters present. Fantastic interest and support."
At the 11-end break, Sturt I had settled and were up 36-24.
"Solid, but another half to play.
"In the first three ends after the break (a KPI), we went another 8 shots up.
"Tranmere showed composure and calm determination to keep challenging.
"This brought out the best in Sturt players. Excellent 'heads' became more regular. So good, some spectators took photos.
"President Rod Ettridge said of one Jackie Hammond end: 'That is a Premier League head’."
"Karen Esdale’s rink (with Victoria Kavanagh, Bronwyn Perry and Fiona Mansfield), our ‘comeback queens’, thrilled the crowd. After being down 0-10 they came back, scoring 24-4."
"In the last four ends Tranmere outscored us by one (that it is another KPI we must achieve).
"They were too late and we went ahead and won 67-44.
"Rink of the Day honours went to Jackie’s rink (Janine Skurray, Lyn Witt, Cathy Stevens and Jackie Hammond) with their 26-9 final score.
"The final crowd of Sturt supporters reached 40 and hopefully they realise their support was inspiring."
Next week it’s Beaumont at Beaumont.