Bowls: Merthyr book Premier spot

Feb 27 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

MERTHYR TYDFIL have secured promotion to the Premier Division of the Welsh inter-club championship via the play-offs, writes Chris Smart.

They beat west section winners Earlswood 130-113 and then overcame northern champions Radnorshire 158-89, which means there is no need for the the third play-off match having collected 37 points already.

The two contenders for this year’s club championship Cardiff and Islwyn both suffered surprise defeats – and the race for the crown will go down to the wire.

Port Talbot were far too strong for Islwyn and ran out 131-102 winners, while Cynon Valley edged out Cardiff 102-101.

Going into the final round of matches, Cardiff, with 201 points, lead Islwyn by six with Port Talbot third.

The semi-final stage of the Dale Floors KO Cup has been reached and on Sunday, March 9, Cynon Valley will meet Llanelli and Prestatyn-based Ffrith clash with Islwyn.

Daniel Gough from Severn Valley won the Welsh Champion of Champions tournament held at Bodelwyddan Castle in North Wales.

Gough pulled out all the stops to defeat Port Talbot’s recently-crowned Welsh champion Ben Thomas 9-4 9-4.