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Bedwas and Trethomas Bowls Club has secured an historic league double for the first time in its history.
Playing out of Bedwas, the first team compete in the top division under the Monmouthshire Bowling Association while the seconds have now won back-to-back titles in Gwent division one.
In his first year as club captain, 38-year-old Adam Margery told Caerphilly Observer how big this was for the club: “It was a brilliant season. For both of our sides to win their leagues is amazing and most likely the biggest achievement in the clubs history.
“Personally I am proud and honoured to lead this club to its first division one title. Some of the members here waited 44 years.”
This was a particularly big win for the firsts, who competed against “some of the best bowlers in Wales”, with Welsh Champions RTB Ebbw Vale pushing them all the way.
Margery, who also plays for the firsts, spoke about how the traditional perception of bowls has been changing for some time: “I’ve been playing since I was 16 thanks to my grandfather.
“But these days we are seeing younger players getting involved. It’s not an old person’s game anymore.”
Although Bedwas and Trethomas can field two sides every Saturday, boasting 34 club members, Margery is concerned for the growth of the game.
He said: “We are doing better than most so far as numbers go, partly because we lease the club from the council giving us more control.
“Take Machen Bowls Club for example, for the first time since I’ve been playing bowls they have failed to put a team out at times this season. Other clubs have shut altogether.”
Oakdale bowling green was threatened earlier this year due to a lack of interest before the community came together and set up some successful open days.
Margery puts the blame down to the “general state of things at the moment”, adding that the cost of running a club is proving “increasingly difficult”.
Going forward, Margery said the club will continue to recruit new members as well as look to retain the one’s they were so successful with last season.
For more information on joining Bedwas and Trethomas Bowls Club, as well as the dates of their upcoming open days, you can email the club on: bedwasbowls1929@hotmail.com
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