THREE bowls players are suing “dictator” club bosses over claims they are not allowed to play as often as men.
Jan Collins, Brenda Bowyer and Jan Soar pay the same fees as men.
But they have less playing time and challenged the rules, calling bosses “misogynists”. They were then suspended for gross misconduct.
Now they are taking legal action against Essex County Bowls Club in Southend after it failed to reverse the ban and “sexist” fees structure.
Jan, 72, a retired international project coordinator, said: “It’s like something from the Dark Ages.
“We want equal opportunity to bowl at the time we are able to.
“We don’t want to just be given the rinks when the men don’t want them. Particularly in a sport which is equal in skill, ability and strength.”
Jan, Brenda and Jan Soar were livid when subscriptions were raised from £60 to £75 to the same as men last year.
They refused to pay and were hit with a nine-month ban.
The trio are suing the club under the Equality Act. The spat has seen the club accuse them of hijacking its member database and sending club emails without permission.
A spokesman said they were suspended in accordance with Bowls England rules. He added they would fight the legal action.
The row comes two weeks after the English Bowling Federation was accused of sexism over new rules allowing men to play in shorts but not women.
