Depleted Crosskeys Bowls Club draft in ‘Dad’s Army’ to win Super Eights competition

A depleted Crosskeys Welfare Bowls Club drafted in a “Dad’s Army” of senior players to secure victory in the Super Eights competition at RTB Ebbw Vale Bowls Club.

Despite four of their eight main players being unavailable on the day – including Wales international Danny Davies and club captain Ian Slade – the team overcame the odds to lift the trophy and take home £700 in prize money on Sunday September 20.

Crosskeys had previously navigated early rounds against Pontrhydyfen, Graig Merthyr, and Whitchurch to reach the finals day.

Faced with severe player shortages for the semi-finals, due to holidays, illness, and other commitments, senior squad members Keith Edwards, Bryn Elias, Graeme Finch, and Mitchell Santwris stepped up to fill the gaps.

Crosskeys edged past Cardiff in a tight semi-final before securing a convincing victory over Penygraig in the final.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Bryn Elias said: “The four of us entered not expecting to get anywhere to be honest, because we’re playing against some really top sides.

“So we went to the competition not expecting anything, and we won the semi-final beating Cardiff, which was surprising.

“Then we had Penygraig in the final and we won that as well, so it was a great achievement for Crosskeys and for the Dad’s Army.”

He added: “Thankfully, the players who were missing on the day played in the earlier rounds to get us through to the semi-finals.”

Club captain Ian Slade, a former Wales international and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, missed the finals due to other bowls commitments across the border in England on the day.

“We basically had to scratch a team together for the semi-finals,” Slade said. “One of those players was only in his first season with the club.”

Slade confirmed the £700 winnings would be reinvested directly into the club, which now has 40 male and 15 female members and hosts community events such as coffee mornings.

“We’re going from strength-to-strength,” Slade said.

The Super Eights victory adds to a successful campaign for Crosskeys, who have already secured both the Monmouthshire Bowls Association league title and cup this season.