BETTY COOMBS, whose dedication to bowls earned her the highest accolade from the English Women's Bowling Association two years ago, has died aged 84.

After taking up the sport nearly 40 years ago she became one of Hampshire's finest players, winning England international honours between 1972-77. She won the national triples Championship in 1970 as well as being runner-up in the fours. She was also a fours semi-finalist three years later.

At county level Betty carried off a string of titles: the two-wood singles, pairs, triples (twice) and fours (three times) as well as being a regular in the Hampshire Johns Trophy and Double Rink Championship teams.

Although her hey-day on the green was during the 1970s, she continued to be one of the game's leading lights as an administrator and ambassador after that.

A member of the Moordown club, she was Hampshire County Women's BA president in 1987 and a year later became secretary and treasurer of the EWBA benevolent association.

Such was her enthusiasm and devotion to the post that, when she stepped down from her benevolent association role in the year 2000, she was made a life member of the EWBA - only the fifth person in the association's 71-year history to be awarded this honour.