Historic bowling club looking to the future after securing double league promotion

One of Wales’ oldest bowls clubs is celebrating a double promotion as the game continues to grow in Caerphilly County Borough.

Described as Llanbradach Bowling Club’s “most successful season in years”, club secretary Bob Cantelo told Caerphilly Observer how it now plans on testing itself against “some of the best bowlers in Wales”.

With more than 50 members, the 121-year-old club has three separate sides, including an all women’s team.

The two male sides play in the Rhymney Valley League where one was promoted to division four as runner-ups, and the other won on shot difference in a nail biter on the final day.

Described the scenes of that final day victory, Mr Cantelo said: “It was a crazy day…and night.

“We travelled to Powys – who were also in contention of winning the league – and we needed to win by at least 12 points. We won by exactly 12.”

Llanbradach can add that trophy to 17 others won over the years, which include a record-equalling five club champion awards.

“To win the top club award we had to compete against 20 of the best sides in Wales in a knockout style tournament,” Mr Cantelo said.

He added: “We never expected to do as well as we have this season. It’s a credit to the players who put in the hard work.”

When it comes to the players themselves, Llanbradach relies on its membership to support the club, as the privately-run group maintains its own green as well as running indoor bowling facilities all year round.

This does have its benefits according to Mr Cantelo, who is proud of the way the club operates.

He said: “We have one of the best greens in the league.

“It allows us to play games for most of the year and the standard is really high. It has led to us attracting some of the best young talent in Wales at the moment.

“The youngest player we have is just 17 and has already represented Wales. Another has won a singles match for Wales.”

The historic club also plays its part in the community, recently raising £600 for the British Heart Foundation and St David’s Hospice Care through a tournament fun day.

Mr Cantelo said he had “high hopes” for the future of the sport. He added: “Bowls has come on a lot over the years.

“It’s less ‘traditional’ which I think is a good thing. We’re all looking forward to the next year.”