MURCH Bowling Club, Dinas Powys, Ladies Section, Evening League Competition.

Murch Ladies, having had an excellent season in this competition, played 12 games, won 11 of them and lost 1 game by only 1 shot, earned their place as ‘top of the table’ for this region, were now required to play a semi final against other regional table winners to determine the county winners.

This match took place on Friday, August 15 at B. P. Club, Sully, against Llantrisant. Rink 4 bowlers took an early lead and comfortably led throughout the game proving too strong for their opposition with a final score of 16 shots to 8.

Rink 5, however, dropped 6 shots on the first end and fought their way back to an 11-11 draw on the 10th end, but could not hold their opponents who barged ahead for the remaining 8 ends, winning 16 more shots, taking the score to 27 shots to Murch’s 14.

Consequently, Murch lost the semi-final 35 shots to 30, Llantrisant going through to the final, playing Sophia Gardens. A play off for 3rd and 4th position took place at Penylan Club, on August 22 against neighbouring club, Romilly, Barry.

Again, both rinks were keenly contested with Rink 4 taking an early lead and holding it until the 14th end when they dropped a 5 to bring Romilly within 1 shot, and allowed them to take the lead on the 16th end. With tension mounting, Murch bowlers went into the last end 1 shot down. Superb bowling and strong nerves gave Murch 3 shots in the last end to win by 17 shots to 15.

Rink 5 fared less well however, losing steadily in the first 8 ends going 12-5 down. When Murch players were holding shot, accurate bowling by the opposition skip altered the situation winning the end. Romilly bowlers increased their lead steadily towards the 18th end with a rink score of 22 shots to 12, bringing the overall score of the match to Murch 29 shots, Romilly 37; Murch conceding the 3rd place to Romilly Club. A disappointing end to a very good and successful season, with Rink 4 players winning every game they played throughout the season.

Gerald Nicholas Day, August 23.

This eagerly anticipated annual event in the form of a mixed match, men versus ladies, played in a friendly atmosphere brought out the best in both sides for the four rinks involved.

The ladies had to enlist the aid of two male bowlers in order to complete a team, but all rinks were very competitive, and enjoyed uninterrupted sunshine. The total score was ladies 66 shots, men 64.

Captain Marilyn Blake was presented with the shield by men’s Captain Phil Jenkins with due ceremony, after which the men bowlers served a fish and chip supper as an appreciation of the teas prepared for tem every Saturday throughout the season by the ladies. An enjoyable evening was had by all.