Festival of Bowls at Resolven and more

The Sport of Bowls can be played from the age of eight to over the age of eighty eight and in the last 20 years more young people have experienced and enjoyed the technique and tactics of a sport that is now played world wide.

On the 4th August there was a great day of bowls in Resolven enjoyed by many people during some overdue dry weather. Everyone, players and spectators alike, were treated to world class bowling.

As well as a number of local bowlers taking part in the Resolven Bowls Club event it was also supported by many top players from across Wales who made for an excellent spectacle once again for the big crowd.

Welsh Internationals, Jack Davies, Jarrad Breen & Ross Owen successfully defended the John Hopkins Memorial Trophy coming through and showing their class under pressure situations in the Quarter Final and a close Semi Final against Resolven BC’s Simon Ace, Stephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins.

Taken before the Semi-Final
Lt to Rt: Ross Owen, Jarrad Breen, Jack Davies, Andrew Hopkins,Simon Ace, Stephen Allen

All who took part said that the green was a great surface to play on throughout the day, due to a lot of hard work from many volunteers led by Gareth Evans and groundsman Roy Gillespie.

Umpires John Jenkins and Meurig Evans were required for the day and they appreciated some better weather than the previous two years.

Meurig Evans & John Jenkins

The complex organisation fell to Mr Mike Herbert, tournament convenor who carried out the task with enthusiasm and expertise as usual.

The following photographs give a flavour of the day at the Resolven Bowling green.

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Welsh National Finals

Only a few day after the ‘Festival of Bowls at RESOLVEN’ reported above, were the Welsh National finals at Llandrindod Wells.

As previously reported local bowlers Regan Ace, Simon Ace, Strephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins were successful at County level to go through to the Welsh National Finals which were played from the 9th to 19th of August.

Regan Ace Delivering a bowl at Llandrindod Wells

In the National Finals, Regan won his 1st round Under 25 game but in a very close game unfortunately lost 21-20 in 2nd round. A couple of days later he was in action again with his Father, Simon in the Open Pairs in another close match, narrowly loosing.

On the right Simon and Regan during their Open Pairs game

A couple of excellent days for Stephen Allen winning both 1st and 2nd round Singles matches in convincing fashion 21-7 and 21-3.

Stephen Allen moving back to the mat after viewing the head

A few days later Stephen lost to eventual Welsh Champion Carl Wood of Llanbradach in the Open Singles Semi-Final.

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Andrew and Stephen during an early round of the Open Pairs
Andrew and Stephen discussing the bowls ‘head’

In the Open Pairs section Andrew and Stephen Allen won in the 1st and 2nd rounds but narrowly lost to RTB Ebbw Vale’s Owain Dando and Steve Harris by 1 shot after an extra end.

Resolven Bowls Club say they are very proud of the way that Regan, Simon, Andrew and Stephen represented their Club and the West Glamorgan County in the Welsh National Finals in 2024.

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