NOT even the winds of Storm Hannah could prevent the successful start to the 2019 bowling season for Barry Athletic, as they recorded a convincing Carruthers Shield away win against local rivals Penarth.

The home club started brightly, opening up a 9 shot lead after 5 ends, but as the cross winds increased so did the concentration of the Barry bowlers.

The rink of Robert Horgan led from the first end and with regular scoring, provided a conclusive 28-9 win. On the next rink, skipped by Carl Best, things were and bit tighter after 10 ends the scores were almost level. Darkening skies and the threat of rain did not effect either side and the Athletic closed out the rink with a narrow 23-21 victory.

Rink 3 was a game of two halves with the visitors struggling to find any rhythm, Penarth powered to a 12 shot lead after just 8 ends.

Eventually skip captain David Wright, got their score board moving. Winning the last 13 ends on the trot, they finished with an excellent 23-17 victory.

In the over all match after 10 ends, Barry had reduced the early 9 shot match lead to draw level. At 15 ends the teams were separated by just 3 shots so a close finish looked likely.

The only losing Barry rink of the day, skipped by Martin Clarke, competed in a cagey low scoring game.

Both skips put in end saving shots just when it looked like one side was going to score heavily. The consistent play throughout by Penarth skip Colin Grant finally won the day as Penarth won the rink 16-14.

As the rain fell and the wind continued to blow, the match ended Penarth 63 Barry Athletic 88.

The Barry Athletic 2nd team had a difficult start to their season, playing at home to last season’s runners up Whitchurch. Despite winning on the rink of captain Paul Webley, the other three Barry rinks lost narrowly. Final score Barry Athletic 70, Whitchurch 100.

Next week both first and second teams have league matches against Merthyr West End.

With Merthyr being the current Welsh Private Green Champions, it will be a challenging away trip for the first team, while the 2nd team are sure to attract local support.