Rotary Bridgend are the Champions for a second time.
Presented in 1923, by Rotary Past District Governor W. H Brain, the
South Wales Rotary Bowling Trophy has been the reward for the Rotary triples
bowls competition held annually, even in war years, for 99 years but because of
Covid-19 was not held in 2020 and 2021.
Although designed to promote the development of
acquaintance and fellowship amongst the Rotary Clubs in South Wales there is
much competition and rivalry amongst the competing teams and the trophy is one
all Rotary bowlers seek to lift.
The competition, hosted by the previous winners in 2019, the Rotary Club of Pontllanfraith, was held at the regular venue, the Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club, Rock Park, Llandrindod Wells.
Covid -19 had not been kind to Bridgend and several of its most experienced bowlers were not available. It was, therefore, with much enthusiasm but little expectation of victory that the Rotary Club of Bridgend registered three novice teams in the competition and early on the morning of 28th June nine club members (President John McCarthy, DG Elect Wayne Morgan MBE and Rotarians Robin and Eve Bratton, William and Catherine Williams, Hopkin Joseph, Terry Moseley and Alan Reeks) set off essentially to enjoy the fellowship the gathering of the clubs would generate.
However, in a close run competition the Rotary Club of Bridgend " A” " team ( Alan Reeks, Hopkin Joseph and Wayne Morgan) was undefeated, overcame all opposition and much to their and their travelling companions surprise won " THE TROPHY " for the second time in the history of the Rotary Club of Bridgend!
District Governor Ray Bevan, a member of the runners-up Club, Pontllanfraith, presented the Trophy and souvenirs of the occasion to the winning Bridgend team and reminded them that as an additional reward it would be their privilege to organise the 2023, Centenary, competition.