A BARRY bowls club boasting a blue-blooded background is hoping for a right royal season full of glory as it commemorates its centenary year.

The Island-based Barry Athletic Bowls Club, sited on land owned in 1900 by Lord Windsor who five years later became the First Earl of Plymouth, marked its 100th anniversary at a special event in April preceding the 2011 season.

The Earl of Plymouth, who with his son the Second Earl was a keen playing members of the St Fagans Bowling Club, formally opened the green on May 14, 1911, along with Plymouth Estates agent William Forrest.

The club has since achieved many notable team and individual successes, bringing home the prestigious Carruthers Shield in 1957 and breeding players of Welsh international standing including Ron Thomas, Russell Evans, Gareth Humphreys and Jim Morgan among others.

Speaking at the centenary event, 2011 club captain Robert Horgan said: "When I started playing they were the people that guided me and played a part in what I have achieved."

"I am really honoured and proud to have been chosen in our centenary year."

Longest serving member, Russell Evans is celebrating his 60th year of club membership having joined as a junior member in 1951. The 75-year-old former bank cashier, whose sister Jenny Evans played netball for Wales, said he joined as a result of family membership and later travelled to Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand representing his country and earning 110 caps.

Mr Evans said: "It gives me pleasure now watching the younger ones.

"The game has been very kind to me and I'm grateful for the help I had when I joined."