THE Windsor Bowls Club of Penarth began their week in the Alliance League for the more mature gentleman, with a match against Penylan.

The fact that they were defeated by three shots was due to a superb performance by the rink of the club’s authority on red wine, David Hales. Along with Alf Holmes, Lance Davies and Dennis Morgan, they were the lone winning Windsor rink, by 24 shots to 14.

In the PG2 game at Rectory Road, the Windsor men lost by 55 shots to 77. The only ray of sunshine was provided by the rink of the club’s leading lead, Alf Holmes, Dave Brenton, Mike Fullbrook and skip, and star of stage and screen, Derek Davies; with a fine rink win by 22 shots to 12.

In the vital PG1 match against local rivals and friends from Rectory Road, the final result rested on the very last wood of the game, bowled by Windsor’s Steve Close. The game was of great importance to the men of Windsor who are in an excellent position for both a championship title and promotion.

The pre-game situation was that the idiosyncrasies of the Windsor captain, in insisting on playing on rinks never used in living memory and against the advice of senior players Ken McLeod and Matthew Woodcock, meant that Windsor had a mountain to climb.

The fact that victory was achieved was due to the amazing fighting spirit of all four Windsor rinks, who put this totally unnecessary disadvantage behind them to secure a magnificent victory, which for most of the match seemed highly unlikely.

M Matthews, P Morrish, R Hudson and K McLeod: 28-27

R Williams, M Lloyd-Jones, P Gunter and T Holmes: 11-16

B Rogers, P Gooding, E Thorne and M Woodcock: 14-16

A Morgan, A Woodcock, M Hope and S Close: 23-15

Windsor 76 shots, Rectory Road 74.

This victory keeps Windsor in contention and if common sense prevails there could be promotion at the conclusion of the season.

The highlight of the ladies’ season came to a climax with the traditional ladies’ captain’s day.

The inclement weather did nothing to deter the success of the day and Veronica Flitney was afforded the praise she so richly deserves by her fellow bowlers. In fact, the whole of the Windsor bowls club is indebted to Veronica for her tremendous drive and vitality, which has played a huge part in the transformation of the club.

The ladies, along with Veronica, who travelled to Pencoed to play in the championships were Margaret Morgans, Moyra Owen, Kay Dyer, Chris Gunter, Brenda Dunlop, Di Roper and Di Thomas. Defeat to Cardiff was followed by a victory against Llantrisant.

Alongside the aforementioned, were Angela Hudson, Bernice Roberts and Carole Lewis, who all made vital contributions.

The inaugural ‘John Skone Memorial Trophy’ was played in less than perfect conditions. Nevertheless 24 teams from South Wales took part, and what a wonderful day it was, despite the weather.

It was organised superbly by Windsor secretary John Armstrong and his team and was fitting to John, who did so much for the club in so many ways. As ever, the ladies of the club, led by the indefatigable Di Thomas, provided food fit for a king throughout the day, and Ian Mathias, Alun Daniel and Eddie Thorne manned the bar to great effect. This first, of what is hoped to be an annual fixture in the bowls calendar, was eventually won by Ely Valley, who beat Penylan in a most exciting final. Well done to all concerned.