AFTER losing their PG1 match against Cardiff by just one shot and therefore relegated, Windsor Bowling Club regrouped.

The following day on Saturday, August 27, the John Skone Memorial Open was to take place on Windsor’s two greens. With an entry of 24 mixed rinks, 96 bowlers were ready to compete.

As bowling began at 10am, and did not finish until the final at 6pm, the ladies of the club, under the direction of Deliah Thomas, provided lunch.

The tournament was sponsored by Glamorgan Motors of Grove Terrace in Penarth, and Andrew Morgan of The Old Village Shop and restaurant in Bonvilston. As ever, the clockwork organisation was in the hands of Rodney Dave Hudson, Ken McLeod, Brian Rogers and John Armstrong on the greens and Peter and Ann Morrish behind the bar.

At the end of play, the final was between the defending holders of Ely Valley and a Windsor rink comprising international player Linda Woodcock, Emma Woodcock, Matthew Woodcock and, as team manager RT Woodcock was indisposed, a local player plucked from the depths of obscurity, Eddie Thorne.

It was with no little emotion, and much pleasure, that John Skone’s brother, Derek, from Pembrokeshire and John’s widow, Pam, presented the silver trophy to Eddie, a great friend of John’s for 40 years, with both having been captains of Penarth Cricket Club and room mates on many cricket and bowls tours.

The following day saw the club’s Brice Cup and Spoons Day concluding with its renowned barbecue, sponsored by Tony and Kim Holmes, well known socialites and world travellers.

The hard working chefs were Emrys Jones and Mike Cucceniello, assisted by the ladies, and Eddie and friends behind the bar. Many a pick-me-up was required by the workers, with Moyra needing more and more ‘Glayva’ as the day progressed.

The final of the Brice Cup will take place on finals’ weekend between men’s captain Richard Flitney and his chief advisor and mentor, Ken McLeod.

On Tuesday, August 30, the final of the Huw Meddins Cup took place, and the gentlemen of Windsor prevailed after much competitive play.

The team comprised of the triples Charles Burton, Rod Hudson and Steve Close, along with the effervescent, never changing, written-in-stone, Mike Matthews, Richard Flitney and Ken McLeod.

Verses Penarth: C Burton, R Hudson and S Close 9 - 4

Verses Barry Athletic: M Matthews, R Flitney and K McLeod 9 - 8

Verses Llantwit: C Burton, R Hudson and S Close 11 - 11

Verses Sully: M Matthews, R Flitney and K McLeod 12 - 8

On Wednesday, August 31, the team were at home to Belle View in the Les Heap Trophy.

Windsor won the match by 66 shots, taking 14 points.

S Ellard, D Hales and C Burton 29 - 5

C Palfrey, C Roper and T Holmes 16 - 13

B Rogers, I Mathias and E Thorne 20 - 8

K McLeod and R Hudson 33 - 6

Finally, a word of thanks from all Windsor members to the president of Penarth, Rectory Road Bowls club, Nicholas Chandler, for his speech to end proceedings.