IN glorious sunny, yet chilly conditions Rectory Road green was opened by the traditional first bowls being delivered by president Nick Chandler, men’s captain Phil Davies and lady captain Lorraine Palmer.

A spoons type competition then ensued involving 74 playing members over a total of 18 ends. The enthusiasm and enjoyment of all participants was evident throughout the afternoon and signalled encouraging signs for the season to come.

Having just joined the club, Dave Plank showed masterly leadership skills and skipped a rink of Dave Holdaway, Barbara Brown and Mike England to a resounding 13 shot win.

The ladies under the stewardship of the redoubtable Betty Jones provided a sumptuous buffet tea eagerly devoured by 80 plus members present. The standard of food served up never falters.

Having enjoyed the festivities of April 11, members were very quickly embroiled in more serious encounters of a competitive kind. Although classed as friendlies, these early games all have a very combative edge to them.

First up was the annual opener against a strong Barry Romilly side. The task was too great for Penarth with only one of their five rinks victorious. Dave Dalby skipped his rink to a 16 - 13 win.

Clive Fry managed to hold off Mal Newman's rink and earn a 12 - 12 draw. Sufficient to say that there was room for improvement on the remaining three rinks. A loss by 100 to 54 summed up a rather disappointing start for the season.

Hopes were raised on the following day as six mixed rinks visited nearby Cowbridge. Hopes were short lived as the home team very quickly took control rushing to a 30 - 17 lead after five ends. The theme continued over the 18 ends with the home team pushing on to register a victory by 117 to 77.

Only the rinks skipped by Kath Jenkins and Bob Lewis savoured the sweet taste of success. The only sweetness for Penarth's other rinks was that served up by the cakes and sandwiches that followed.

Another traditional friendly followed on Saturday with a scenic drive through the Garw Valley to take on a Pontycymmer side with several current and ex-Wales internationals.

Whereas the opposition was a big enough challenge, an extremely quick green proved to be more of a problem for the Penarth bowlers. It took the first 10 ends for Penarth to settle by which time the home team had amassed a 53 - 13 lead.

Penarth recovered to match them in the second half winning by a single shot (39 - 38). A game of two halves. Overall result 52 - 91.

Penarth will undoubtedly benefit by getting the losing feeling out of their system and captains Phil and Lorraine will be rallying their troops to very quickly enjoy a winning streak.

In answer to the Windsor scribe both Ron and Nick would wish to point out that there is no dispute between them, as they work on the basis that whomever grabs the scorecards first writes the report. At least Penarth have a choice of scribes whilst Windsor appears to be limited to one. No doubt the banter will continue.

Best wishes go to both Windsor and Belle Vue, particularly the latter in their Centenary season.