STORM clouds were gathering over Rectory green on Saturday last, as Penarth Bowling Club stand-in captain Brian Brennan and his faithful followers battled against Cardiff Athletic in a critical PG2 encounter. There was just 2 shots separating the teams at the halfway stage and the home supporters on the bank were having real concerns that the game was drifting away from Penarth.

Thankfully all was not lost as Nick Thomas, Mike England, Guy Thomas and Dave Murphy took control of proceedings and steadily built up a convincing lead, so much so that they ran out victors by 28-10. Carrying on in the same mould was Brian Brennan, Derek Blainey, Bob Lewis and Dave Holdaway who similarly never surrendered their lead. the result on this rink was an impressive 28-12 win. Colin Hicks, Bob Willmott, Billy Croll and Neil Gaskell battled throughout, but were not quite able to register the win they deserved, going down by 14-18.

The unfortunate Dave Dalby rink found life somewhat difficult as they were soundly defeated 13-26, surrendering 12 shots over the final six ends.

With the black clouds overhead disappearing, blue skies and sun returned to welcome the final result of victory to Penarth by 83-66, and a massive haul of 10 points.

Earlier in the week, Dinas Powis were the visitors for a Munro Cup fixture, which turned out to be a real nail biter. With 3 rinks concluded and in the Clubhouse and 17 ends of the final rink completed, the game stood at 64-64.

Nick Chandler, Bob Horne, Mike Conway and Berwyn Lansley prepared to bowl this last end just needing 1 shot for overall victory. Regrettably nerves overcame them and Dinas secured 1 shot, Nick Chandler failing to draw in with his last wood. The Final score was in favour of Dinas by 64-65.

With only Tony Holmes, Paul Gunter, Paul Church and Russel Daniel recording a win and 2 points, this was another serious knock to Penarth's chances of taking the Munro crown. Dinas know lead the table by a shorthead.

The first of the Ladies games last week was home battle with Rumney Gardens. The battle was won early on as Penarth stormed to a 21-9 lead at the half way stage. This impressive lead was further compounded by the 18th end to secure a 59-16 win.Both rinks bowled superbly with Wendy Grant, Sue Croll, Tricia Brinkworthand Chris Church rattling up mind boggling win of 36-8. In similar, but not quite so boggling was Captain Chris' rink which included Belinda Price, Kath Jenkins and Betty Jones as they succeeded to win by 23-8. Overall the visitors were restricted to scoring on only 10 of the 36 ends played - masterful by Penarth.

The following afternoon saw the Double Rink match at Penarth Windsor accruing another win, albeit by the narrow margin of 4 shots. Joan Lewis, Diana Willcocks, Mary Bowen and Lynda Jones led from the first end to win by 17-9.

Not so fortunate were Jayne Edwards, Barbara Brown, Maureen Dalby and Anne Thomas as they fought back bravely after being 3-10 down after 7 ends, to narrowly lose by 4 shots 12-16.