Gambles finally come out on top (From Penarth Times)

Gambles finally come out on top

THE 14th annual presentation of prizes for the Penarth Conservative Club's 1,000 knockout skittles competition took place in the Prince William Suite last Saturday.

Sports Secretary Lex Gamble called upon the Chairlady of the Penarth and District League, Miss Kath Parfitt, to present the prizes to all the winners.

The winners were The Gambles captained by none other than Lex himself, who stated that it was a very close final. Having been losing semi finalists five times in this competition, he was grateful that his team had finally come out on top.

The runners-up were the Marauders from Cathays, captained by Peter Williams. As everyone knows, the Marauders are always a very hard side to beat and are always there or thereabouts.

Peter stated that his team were disappointed and having lost three other finals in different competitions, they would be seeking revenge next year.

The semi-finalists were local side The Cavaliers captained by Malcolm Griffiths, and the Very Nice Men from Splott captained by Keith Jones who also won the Highest Team Score with a brilliant 159.

In the ladies section, the winners were the Happy Bandets from Cathays, captained by Pat Burnell. This is the third consecutive year that the Bandets have won this competition and just goes to show how difficult it is to beat these fine skittlers.

Pat's side won't give up this crown easily and will be back next year.

The final was a re-run of last year's final with the Golden Girls captained by Julia Bullough once again runners-up.

The highest individual female score was shared by five players with a brilliant 28. They were, Anna Driscole, Leanne Williams, Zena Chandler, all from the Happy Bandets, Muriel Scott from the Persuaders and Yvonne Bradley from the Vixens. Both these girls play in Barry.

The highest men's score was a cracking 31 which was also shared, between Richard Barry from the Very Nice Men and local boy Dave Garner from the Penarth Dragons.

Trophies were also presented to the three sticker-uppers who did a very good job throughout the competition. They were Josh Chambers, Ryan Parfitt and Ryan Collins. All these boys turned up with their proud parents.

The entertainment for the evening was The Rovers Showband, a trio of vocal guitarists who played superbly throughout their two spots and had everyone up on the floor dancing. This showband was enjoyed by all in attendance and have been booked for future evenings - don't miss them!

The Leight'N' Loud Disco run by Leighton Coslett filled in with some excellent music and ensured continuity. The MC for the evening was Ernie Turnbull who did a very good job throughout, making sure that everyone enjoyed themselves.