PENARTH Bowling Club’s 2016 season got off to a very good start last week with wins in all three matches played.

Victories at Rectory Road over Barry Romilly and Pontycymmer and a notable success in the Mixed match at Cowbridge gave new captain, Mike Conway every reason to be delighted with proceedings.

Penarth knew that Barry Romilly would provide stern opposition and the close fought match ensued, with the result in doubt right through.

Indeed both teams provided two winning rinks but Penarth’s ultimate victory overall owed much to a fine display by the Clive Fry rink where Clive, ably supported by Phil Davies, Berwyn Lansley and Guy Thomas pulled off a handsome 19 shot success.

Bob Lewis with the help of Peter Needham, Mike England and Rob Grant weighed in with a 19-12 win to allow Penarth to edge the match by just two shots overall.

Visits to Cowbridge BC are always very enjoyable affairs and, with the hosts regular visitors to Rectory Road in the winter months, this was a chance to renew old friendships.

However, Penarth’s treatment of Cowbridge in the actual match was anything but friendly. The visitors found the artificial surface much to their liking on this occasion, so much so that they proceeded to win on all six rinks in a 55 shot win .

Yet again, it was Clive Fry who led the way with a 25-6 win with the help of Viv Duckers, Claudio Gent, and Derrick Musk. Also well to the fore was the Dave Dalby Foursome where Dave, consummately backed up by Peter Needham, Mary Bowen and new recruit Jack Beanland notched up a 23-10 success.

With another good win from Haydn Trow, Lawrie Brooke, June Williams and Russell Daniel (24-12) and further success from the rinks of Bob Hill, Bob Lewis and Kath Jenkins, victory was never in doubt in this one.

Penarth then welcomed Pontycymmer Bowling Club to Rectory Road for a mens’ friendly. Once again the weather was perfect for the time of year and, in a close fought match, the visitors gave a very good account of themselves, winning on three of the five rinks. However the two successful home rinks covered the deficit to ensure a 10 shot overall winning margin, Rob Grant, successfully skipped his four to a good 19-11 win in company with Bob Lewis, Ron Birkby and Lewis Evans,who was making a very welcome return to the ranks. However, pride of place on this occasion went to Bob Hill’s rink where “maestro” Bob with the help of Guy Thomas, Don Shirley and Captain Mike Conway pulled off a handsome 26-8 win.

Next week’s scheduled Mens fixtures are, Cardiff Athletic Away (Alliance), Cowbridge Away (Munro Cup), and Millwood Home (Friendly). The ladies have friendlies with Roath Park (Home) and Whitchurch (Home).