Bowlers have to wait
IT’S feared there will be little in the way of competitive bowls this summer on the Welsh scene, writes Tony Poole.
Normally, the outdoor season would be in full swing with the spotlight on games in one of the main national tournaments – the Carruthers Shield.
But the Welsh Bowling Association (WBA) announced around the time of lockdown that all national competitions and committee meetings were cancelled until further notice.
That means besides the Carruthers Shield, bowlers are set to miss out on the County Championship, Senior County Championship along with all other WBA events. Because a high percentage of bowlers are in the over-60 bracket, the WBA took the view that the wellbeing and health of everyone connected with the sport was of prime importance.
The WBA is continuing to monitor the situation on a daily basis with a view to making any necessary changes to the blanket shutdown.
On the local bowling scene at this time of year, fixtures are beginning to come thick and fast in the Carruthers Shield, Mid Vale League and the popular midweek Port Talbot & District League.
The Port Talbot & District League were due to hold a meeting back in March, but it was scuppered at short notice on government advice regarding mass gatherings.
They are now waiting for the Welsh Government to relax restrictions, but in the meantime it’s feared the league season won’t get underway.
The only competitions the Port Talbot & District League envisage holding this year are the Nefyn Lane Singles, Emrys Beer Triples and S & R Trophy (U18 Pairs).
They feel this is an achievable target provided the Welsh Government shortly ease lockdown restrictions.
But bowls like golf, cricket and fishing is a sport that can comfortably accommodate social distancing.
And even if bowlers have to go without the main competitions this year, social bowling on local greens should be attainable.
It remains to seen tomorrow (Thursday) whether the next Welsh Government statement – revolving around a projected three-tier traffic light system – will turn to green for Bridgend County bowlers. They will then be able to recommence traditional roll ups on the greens of their choice.