AFTER a summer of intense competition, Saturday, September 3, saw the first day of the weekend finals at Rectory Road green.

Unfortunately incessant rain throughout the day saw both curtailment and postponement of a number of scheduled matches. Ron Birkby and Brian Hocking determinedly battled through the poor conditions to settle the Seniors title, with Ron edging ahead to eventually win by 21 to 16.

Ron had led 17 - 5 by the 12th end after which Brian staged a recovery, for the scores at the 18th end to be 16 - 18 in Ron's favour. The next two ends saw Ron settle the game.

The usual highlights of the weekend, as one would expect, involved both Championship finals played on Sunday afternoon. The ladies final pitted two very competitive and consistent bowlers, with Sue Croll and Kath Jenkins battling it out.

The game itself appeared to be a foregone conclusion as Sue took control of proceedings and amassed a 19 - 7 lead after 16 ends of excellent bowling.

However, Kath is nothing but determined and decided the game was not yet lost. With some excellent bowls, she dominated the next five ends scoring 15 shots without reply to take the Championship title.

The men's final had a similar feel to it with Ron Birkby setting the pace early on and leading by seven shots after four ends. The game then became a much more even one, with Russell Daniel bowling consistent line and length to claw back at 9 - 9 after 14 ends.

A two at the next end put Russell in front by 11 - 9. Ron however was not to be beaten and over the next eight ends he recovered his composure and ran out winner by 21 shots to 14.

Ron Birkby has now been acclaimed, from available Club records, as the oldest Penarth Bowling Club Champion, at the ripe old age of 79. He is still bowling as consistently as ever and long may he continue.

Results:

Men's Novice - Nick Thomas 21 v Alan Stockham 14

Handicap - Ron Birkby 21 v Mike Conway 4

Two wood - Nick Chandler 17 v Clive Fry 9

Triples - Nick Thomas, Paul Church, John Bowen 17 v Phil Davies, Brian Knight, Russell Daniel 10

Seniors - Ron Birkby 21 v Brian Hocking 16

Championship - Ron Birkby 21 v Russell Daniel 14

Ladies Novice - Wendy Grant 21 v Joan Lewis 5

Two wood - Jayne Edwards 15 v Christina Church 12

Two wood pairs - Viv Duckers, Betty Jones 18 v Chris Davies, Lorraine Palmer 11

Four wood pairs - Christina Church, Norma Duggan 28 v Sandra Roberts, Diana Hiscocks 14

Triples - Coral Reagan, Chris Church, Jayne Edwards 19 v Viv Duckers, Linda Williams, Betty Jones 8

Championship - Kath Jenkins 21 v Sue Croll 19

Thanks must go to all those involved in the games and organisation over the two days. The weather interruption failed to disrupt the smooth running of the weekend. Thanks also to all those who provided a plethora of food to round off the event.