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The first season for Pembrokeshire Indoor Bowls in the South Wales Merit League draws to a conclusion in the next few weeks, with a weekend doubleheader at home to Ogwr IBC on Saturday (Mar 22) and the following day away to Earlswood IBC, ahead of the final game at home to top of the table Llanelli IBC, with the visitors needing to win the game, to lift the championship trophy.
A reflection of the progress that has been made this season was outlined by captain Andrew John, “It was always going to be a season of change as we lost a stalwart in Richard Jones in late autumn, his absence on the green and behind the scenes was always going to be immeasurable, but it shows the tenacity and belief there is in Pembrokeshire to overcome the setback and then build on the strength within the Club, as the winter progressed. We are currently in the lower middle of the table, with a game in hand above the side a point above us and we have the fourth best shot difference in the league, the top two sides being Dinefwr and Llanelli.”
Indoor league games are played over twenty one ends, with four players making up the rink and the result of the match guided by how the four rinks play against their opponents, alongside another two points for the overall team winner. In the most recent fixture against Earlswood, all four Pembrokeshire rinks successful, the overall result was a comprehensive victory by 124 shots to 36. John was quick to point out that “the Pembrokeshire team is open to all ages and genders; the Club also having a lady’s section and an Over 60’s team which plays midweek,” the home venue for Pembrokeshire being at the Meads Leisure Centre, Milford Haven.
“I’m indebted to many people for stepping up this year” said John, “especially Secretary Lance Murphy, alongside our President Dianne Davies, who have led the Club through the turbulent waters of change. Such is the spirit within the club it has been decided to hold a memorial game in Richard’s memory, something he would have played down I’m sure, but one which will be a fitting recall of his friendship and ability, the trophy being donated by Carl Hall.”
The bowlers organised themselves in October to form a committee, with Phil Baldry taking on the role of Chairperson and Shelagh Phillips taking on the role of vice chairperson. Rob Jones looks after the clubs’ finances as Treasurer, Steve Barrett as his deputy Treasurer, and Paul ‘Podgy’ Morgan assisting John as the Merit League vice captain, with his wife Julie taking on the role of membership secretary. Other committee members include Jack Lloyd, Gordon Jenkins, Richard Parker, Steve Evans and Ken Watson. Octogenarian Murphy and the equally venerable Roy Thomas oversee the ‘60’s squad’ to ensure all the fixtures are completed on the specified conference dates.
Pembrokeshire Indoor Bowls hosts internal leagues on every evening and during some weekday afternoons for bowlers, John enlightened further, “if you have never tried the game before, come and give it a go! It’s a very skilful and technical game to play, alongside each rink having its own tactics and of course playing to the strength of each player. There is a warm welcome both on and off the green to all and sundry and we are closely linked also to the Pembrokeshire Disability Club playing out of the same venue.”
As Club captain Andrew is contactable via the club Facebook page or by emailing the club account, pembsindoorbowls@outlook.com, “or just by turning up and introducing yourself” he said with his bracing smile. “The club are indebted also to our season sponsors, Valero and Hugh Williams Roofing, who have their company logos proudly emblazoned on our club shirts, provided by Dai Kingdom Bowls.”
Once the season concludes in early April the bowlers return to their own outdoor clubs, friendships intact but rivalries reignited, as the local teams, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Docks, Saundersfoot, Tenby and Whitland engage in the local league until the indoor season returns in late September, in readiness for the winter period.
Result
Pembrokeshire 124 - 36 Earlswood
Rink 1: Phil Ridge; Julie Morgan; Richard Hissy; Keith Thorpe (skip) 29-9
Rink 2: Richard Parker; Lance Murphy; Roy Thomas; Andrew A John (skip) 32-8
Rink 3: Karl Biershank; Nigel James; Podgy Morgan; Hugh Williams (skip) 27-8
Rink 4: Andrew John; Darren Osborne; Carl Hall; Rob Jones (skip) 36-11
Photo Gallery (click to view in full)
