THE indoor season is rapidly drawing to a close at Penarth Bowling Club, reminding everyone of how quickly the seasons go.

With the indoor leagues mostly concluded, members are eagerly awaiting the climax of the winter months in the shape of finals weekend, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2.

The indoor competitions are always keenly fought and this year has proved no exception producing a set of intriguing and potentially mouthwatering finals to look forward to.

In the men's competitions the outstanding performer has been Dave Clements.

Dave, an extremely gifted player at the indoor stadium with a string of successes to his name, will have his work cut out to overcome the talented Colin Grant in the Championship Final in a match which is much too close to call.

Dave will line-up with the vastly experienced Colin Hicks when he meets the extremely useful partnership of Phil Davies and the evergreen Dennis Edwards in the four wood Pairs Final.

To complete a very busy weekend he will pair up with Russell Daniel, a very gifted player, against Lawrence Brooke and Dave Dalby in the two wood pairs.

The truly outstanding performer in this year’s ladies’ competitions has undoubtedly been Chris Davies who will, like Dave Clements, make no less than three final appearances.

In the Singles Championship she faces very tough opposition in the shape of Sue Croll, an outstanding bowler, so a tough battle should be in prospect.

Likewise, there is a formidable challenge in the Novices Final where Chris will come up against another fine bowler in the shape of Lorraine Palmer. A battle royal also looks on the cards in the Ladies two wood Final with two of the club’s leading talents Belinda Price and Wendy Grant facing each other in what promises to be a keen battle.

Well done to Joan Lewis who will compete in two finals this year.

In the two wood Pairs she will partner the legendary Tricia Brinkworth against Maureen Dalby and Chris Davies, in what will be her third Final appearance of the season in a match that promises much.

The Ladies four wood Pairs should also produce a close run battle with Joan and Belinda Price facing Caroline McGilvray and Wendy Grant. The Mixed Pairs Final also promises to produce a fine tussle with Haydn Trow and Carol Hall facing the strong looking husband and wife combination of Chris and Paul Church.

The last men's match at Rectory Road for 2016-7 saw Penarth retain their unbeaten record with a win over Penarth Windsor/Belle Vue. The outstanding performance from the visitors was once again due to the Herculean efforts of Reg Dyer and his Windsor compatriots, Mike Matthews, N Walker and M Dorrell who gained a well-earned tie.

However, victory on the other three home rinks ensured a comfortable win for Penarth at the close. The scores were Bob Lewis, Don Shirley, Tony Gent, Don Butler: 22-9; Alan Stockham, Tony Thomas, Mike England, Dave John: 20-13 and Peter Needham, Phil Davies, Russell Daniel, John Bowen: 19-13.

Lastly, a special word of thanks to popular and charismatic indoor captain, Alan Stockham, for all his hard work throughout the indoor season.

The continuing success of the indoor fixtures owes much to all Alan’s industry and dedication at all times.

Many thanks also to indoor secretary Nick Thomas who has performed his duties with a thoroughness and dedication that does him the greatest credit. The co-ordination of all the many facets of the indoor season including competitions, leagues, fixtures and all the many aspects of the day to day running of the “indoor” requires exceptional skills and patience and these the indoor secretary has in abundance.