With Heatherton IBC having been chosen by the Welsh Indoor Bowling Association to host two rounds of the Welsh Under 16s triples competition, I had the pleasure of being at the stadium on Saturday to witness the day's action. The girls and boys, some as young as 12, came from all over Wales to play in the third round and quarter-finals of the event, with the first matches starting as early as 9.30 am. It was wonderful to see all the parents watching and encouraging their children; also the many members of Heatherton who turned out to support three of the club's own talented young players, Liz Goldwait, Ryan Thomas and Liam Price. The trio had qualified for the third round on their own carpet by successfully coming though their first and second round matches away from home. They were up against a very strong triples from Port Talbot and everyone was impressed by the wonderful standard of bowling displayed. Liz, Ryan and Liam played superbly to win 14-8 against the triples skipped by Nicky Collins and earn a place in the quarter-finals. After a break for lunch, it was back to the action. The quarter-finals got under way and this time the Heatherton trio were up against a threesome from Carmarthen, skipped by Ben Evans. Again a good match ensued, enjoyed by everyone watching. Liz, Ryan and Liam were always in control and, supporting each other well, eventually ran out winners by 18-4 to reach the semi-finals. These were to be played played the next day at Ammanford Indoor Bowls Stadium. Talking afterwards to Mr. Mike Hanover, national junior bowls co-ordinator, he asked me to thank, through the press, Mr. and Mrs. Davies and family for allowing Heatherton to be used as a venue for the competition; also the Heatherton committee for all their help and the warm welcome given. He was very impressed with ability and attitude of all the young bowlers and said they were a great credit to themselves and their families. It was a wonderful day of bowling, which everyone present enjoyed, and well done to Liz, Ryan and Liam, who did Heatherton IBC proud. Next day in Ammanford, in their semi-final, they played a triples team from Radnor IBC. Again it was a very good game, but, despite another fine performance, the Heatherton trio eventually bowed out 24-14 to a very strong threesome skipped by Steve James. Nevertheless, to reach the semi-finals was a wonderful achievement and Heatherton members are proud of their tremendous effort and the way in which they conducted themselves on and off the green. I'm sure the experience will have done them the world of good, and I'm also sure they enjoyed playing as much as we enjoyed watching.
Ladies' section
Heatherton Ladies played their last DJ Trophy game of the season on Sunday against Llanelli. It was well contested, but sadly they lost. Llanelli will now go through to the zone finals. FOXY