THE weather proved to be the dominant factor in last week’s schedule at Penarth Bowling Club.

In all, three matches were played with only one defeat recorded.

On Tuesday, captain Brian Fisher took his Alliance team to Rhiwbina for what turned out to be a very competitive match. Leading the way for Penarth were the Derrick Musk rink, where, Derrick, ably backed by Peter Small, George Mackie and “Bowen the Books” recorded a convincing 23-12 winning scoreline.

Bob Willmott, with Lewis Evans, Brian Fisher and Peter Needham battled well to earn a 15-all draw, whilst Haydn Trow’s rink came within a single shot after fading away over the last few ends. The final result was a narrow eight shot defeat in a more than creditable performance.

Sadly, Tuesday’s Ladies match against Barry Central was cancelled but the much anticipated clash between the Penarth Ladies and the Mens’ Alliance Side did take place on Wednesday.

Luckily, the composition of the rinks did not pitch any couples on opposing sides, with the exception of Ken and Tricia. The expected closely fought match duly ensued with no quarter asked or given.

At the end it was the men who emerged victorious, thanks to two winning rinks. The quartet of John Bowen, Alan Stockham, Nick Thomas and Bob Hill won 22-11, whilst Russell Daniel, Brian Fisher, Peter Needham and Ron Maggs finished 21-15 up. There were two drawn rinks and Tricia Brinkworth with Lynda Jones, Jill Gaskell and Diana Willcocks comprised the winning ladies rink with a 14-12 success.

On Thursday, under darkening skies Penarth travelled to Roath park for a friendly with Fairoak BC.

Ron’s weekly tour proved to be a more modest affair this week with only three circuits of Roath Park lake to lighten the proceedings. Sad to say, the weather rapidly deteriorated as the game got underway and ultimately, as the heavens opened the match was curtailed early after 10 ends.

In the event, Penarth dominated proceedings with a 37-23 win. The top foursome consisted of skip Clive Fry with Haydn Trow, Peter Needham and Ron Birkby (12-4) also well up were Bob Willmott, Lawrie Brooke, Reg Jones and George Mackie (10-5) and Dave Dalby, Roger Gidman, Paul Church and Russell Daniel (10-6).

With no competitive fixtures arranged for Saturday, Penarth welcomed their friends and nearest neighbours Belle Vue for a friendly. Though the match made a delayed start the match had to be rapidly aborted after a few ends as, yet again, and to everyone’s disappointment, heavy rain had the final word.