PORT TALBOT & DISTRICT BOWLS

LEAGUE

DIVISION One next summer will operate without any local interest, writes Tony Poole.

With Caerau Welfare already relegated, Porthcawl last week made a surprise announcement to withdraw from the league.

But applications to play in the league next summer have been received from two local clubs – Pencoed and Pontycymer.

If successful, they will enter the league in Division Five and play alongside Prince of Wales Court Eagles.

Ironically, the Seasiders were in danger of toppling into the second tier after losing last week to Gwynfi.

The defending league champions registered a narrow two-shot win against Porthcawl 61-59 at Griffin Park.

That resulted in them only requiring five points from their final game last night (Tuesday) against new champions Pontrhydyfen to relegate the Seasiders.

Ironically, it was Porthcawl who scuppered the chances of Skewen lifting the title, triumphing 82-42 at Griffin Park.

Skip Steve Hill handed in a winning card worth 32-6.

It left Pontrhydyfen in possession of the Glan Thomas Shield with Skewen second and Briton Fer- ry Steel currently holding third spot.

Llansawel and Bryn Welfare are the promoted clubs from Division Two with Tata Steel and Maesteg relegated.

Kenfig Hill rounded off a productive end to the season in beating visitors Maesteg Celtic by 34 shots 87-53 with skip Graham Bluck pulling off a 27-5 rink win.

Champions Prince of Wales Court Hawks and Mount Pleasant go in to Division Two with Aberkenfig and Cymmer down.

Division Four champions Bridgend Municipal and Aberavon Liberal Club Do’s are both promoted and in Division Five, Prince of Wales Court Eagles just missed out on elevation.

Though Brynhyfryd had been crowned champions, the second promotion allocation was still of interest last week to both Cwmavon and the Eagles.

But Cwmavon sealed promotion with a 64-57 home win over bottom club Gnoll.

Despite the Eagles getting their claws into Briton Ferry Steel Combine at Penylan Avenue, winning the day 69-39, it was Cwmavon who finished runners-up.

Skip Dave Downton gained a 20-8 victory but the Eagles are nevertheless grounded in Division Five for another year.

RESULTS

Division One: Caerau Welfare 42 (1) Pontrhydyfen 74 (13), Porthcawl 82 (12) Skewen 42 (2), Porthcawl 59 (4) Gwynfi 61 (10), Skewen 41 (2) TRW Cam Gears 69 (12). Division Two: Kenfig Hill 87 (13) Maesteg Celtic 53 (1), Maesteg Celtic 62 (5) Tata Steel 65 (9). Division Three: Cymmer 34 (0) Mount Pleasant 72 (14). Division Four: BP Llandarcy Tankers 57 (12) Bryncoch 40 (2). Division Five: Cwmavon 64 (12) Gnoll 57 (2), Prince of Wales Court Eagles 69 (13) Briton Ferry Steel Combine 39 (1).