PENARTH Bowling Club went on their annual visit to the English Riviera on October 17, when 35 jocular members alighted an Edwards coach at 9am.

The spirits were heightened by a swift and uninterrupted journey down the M5 to Torquay, broken only by a comfort and coffee break at Burnham Garden Centre. Haydn Trow's need for cakes and buns was also duly satisfied.

Following an early arrival time at the Victoria Hotel, rooms were quickly allocated and players involved in the 3pm match were despatched for rest and sustenance. Alberts Bar seemed to be the favoured location.

Torbay Country BC were the opposition at 3pm and they proved to be a real test for the well relaxed Penarth contingent. Narrow wins on the Alan Stockham (17 - 11) and Nick Chandler (11 - 10) rinks failed to overhaul the landslide losses on the two other rinks Clive Fry (7 - 33) and John Whitfield (2 - 34). A crushing overall defeat by 51 shots was not the best of starts.

Nevertheless spirits were revitalised in the cocktail bar prior to a sumptuous dinner.

For the rest of the week the opposition was made up of rinks all playing and vying for prizes at the end of the week. The bowlers were of several internationals status (countries not ability) including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Netherlands.

This made for an interesting and competitive few days bowling. There were six games involved and the record ended up as three wins, two losses and one draw.

In the seven matches played, Penarth amassed a points total of 348, only to be outdone by a score of 351 by the opposing teams - Torbay being their nemesis.

Nick Chandler proved to be the most successful skip, winning all four of his games. Thanks must be given for the superb support of his rink members.

Sue Roberts and Lynda Jones were both a revelation turning in outstanding performances in all of their games. In fact all Penarth ladies contributed hugely to the on green activities.

The 'Be Nice To Haydn Week' declared as the coach left Penarth seemed to work as he was involved in four winning rinks, although he will want to forget the Torbay game. Being nice to Haydn ceased as the party crossed the Severn Bridge. All is back to normal now.

The trip was blessed with some beautiful weather coupled with good entertainment and continuous banter. Bob Hill's jokes came around again and thanks must be given to him for Thursday evening.

The sortie is already booked again for 2017. Names will be requested soon.