Club is bowled over by success
PENYGRAIG Bowls Club has had a successful 2016 outdoor season, winning a number of trophies.
Penygraig, which only reformed three years ago, has claimed the Rhondda Bowls League Division One title and, in a debut campaign in the Cardiff League, the club started in Division Seven with an undefeated fixture list taking the valley team to the top of their section.
The Rhondda Monday Afternoon Plate competition threw up another challenge and Penygraig notched another triumph. The Mid Rhondda outfit were also third in the Mid Glamorgan League Division One.
The achievements are even more impressive as many players had not even picked up a bowl when the decision was made to restart activities in 2013.
There is also a great emphasis on developing young talent to add to a community focus.
In Iestyn Williams and Luke Isles, the senior side has given a pair of 14-yearolds a chance to shine and, in response, the teenagers have been crucial components of the quality that has become associated with Penygraig.
There has also been a range of in-house battles and, after a large initial entry, a final witnessed Steven Williams defeating Mark Holland 21-13 in an entertaining club singles tournament.
Meanwhile, there was a big upset in the final of the pairs as the young duo of Iestyn and Luke proved their potential as they overcame the experienced Mark Holland and Scott Jones 28-6.
The juniors further showed their strength as they retained the Rhondda League Trophy for the third consecutive occasion. The squad includes Lauren Gowen, Celyn Gowen, Luke Robinson, Amelia Roberts plus Iestyn and Luke.
The club aims to bring on even younger children, holding coaching sessions in the primary schools of Williamstown, Penygraig and Ysgol yr Eos.