Monmouth Bowls Club have had an eventful couple of weeks since our last report, including a maximum 12 point home win against RTB Ebbw Vale and an away loss at Pontymister Athletic in the Gwent Bowls League Division 1. Although the losing margin was only 8 shots, Monmouth only managed 2 points, leaving them in 6th place, just 8 points above Bedwellty Park and 10 points above Newbridge who both have a game in hand.

This week Monmouth entertain 3rd placed Blackwood, hoping that home advantage will prove decisive.

In the East Monmouthshire Bowling Association, a 2-rink, away match at Bailey Park, Abergavenny resulted in narrow wins on both rinks for the visitors.

Meanwhile pairs and singles competitions have brought further success for Sean Croudace and Haydn Holder. In the Monmouthshire Bowling Association competitions, the pair will this week face a Blaenavon pair in the Semi-final of the Over-60s Pairs on Monday, while Haydn will contest the Semi-final of the Over-60s Singles against Paul Rees, of Llanhilleth on Tuesday. The Semi-finals will be played on neutral greens at Beaufort and Newbridge, respectively.

Monmouth Bowls Club is looking for new players of all ages. The club welcomes total novices or experienced players. What better way to get a bit of exercise, play a competitive game and socialise in our own cheap bar afterwards!

Whatever your physique, bowls is a sport for everybody and it will help improve your fitness levels and mental wellbeing. Age is no barrier to playing bowls, they welcome younger players as with every sport they are the future. Did you know the average age of the World Men’s Quarter finalists in 2022 was 46 and for the Ladies semi-finals the average age was 39. In the 2023 Open final the two finalists were 31 and 26!