SUCCESS followed by failure was the order of the day last week at the Penarth Windsor Bowling Club.

The club's first public open day was an amazing event, with club officials delighted with the great number of people coming through the gate.

The following day the club helped celebrate the 90th birthday of Ken Trenchard, the doyen of the club and the wider bowls circuit. It is also Ken's 75th year of bowling and he still plays at least twice a week and skips a rink in the PG2 competition.

The club captain made a presentation to Ken and all the members offer congratulations to a remarkable man - and wish him many more years of bowling.

The club's quest for Munro Cup success was maintained with a maximum 14-point haul against visitors Sully. Having had the pleasure of a Dolly Parton performance the night before, the grin on the face of captain Gunter was even wider than some of his deliveries as he gave his victory speech.

Sadly it wasn't to last long as, on a black Saturday, Windsor's PG1 promotion hopes hit a brick wall against good friends and neighbours Rectory Road. The home side took Windsor to the cleaners to secure a comprehensive victory led by canny veteran performers Clive Fry, Dick Edwards, Colin Hicks and Gareth Rosser. Rectory Road were unstoppable and only the Windsor rink of 'Aircraftsman' Richard Flitney, Phil Gooding, 'Kerkow' Burton and Essex legend Rod Hudson did themselves justice by securing a victory and two vital points. As Rod's charming wife, Angela, pronounced: "Thank goodness Tony Holmes was otherwise engaged as it would have been highly likely to have been a clean sweep for Phil Davies and his boys."

A highlight of the day was the reappearance, after an absence of six years, of former teacher Ron Birkby who has lost none of his bowls ability and humour.

Distress signals were also being sent up at Windsor in the PG2 fixture where, once again, the Rectory Road boys were in total command in collecting 13 out of 14 points in a 86-56 victory. Credit must go to the rinks of Phil Parry, who suffered a one-shot defeat, and Trevor Warburton, who gained an honourable draw.

An update of the ladies will appear next week.