THREE members of Radnorshire Indoor Bowls Club, Llandrindod Wells, have achieved outstanding success at the Welsh Learning Disabilities Championships held at the Cardiff Bowling Club recently.

The players, John Lister, Lorna Clark and Jake Griffiths were invited to compete in the Championships for the first time having successfully completed a rigorous classification test supported by their lead coach Mr John Dakers. Factors taken into account during the test included each player’s knowledge and understanding of the game of bowls as well as the skills necessary to play the sport. To their credit all three players completed the classification test with flying colours and received their invitation to compete in the championships.

Following the classification test each player was placed in one of the three groups, each of which had four players. Jake Griffiths was in group one. This was a very tough group and Jake won his first game, was narrowly beaten in his second and third games. Jake won a bronze medal for his success.

Lorna Clark played in group two. Lorna won all three of her games, for which she was presented with a gold medal. As the group winner Lorna also qualified to play in the championship semi final which she also won. This was a tremendous achievement for Lorna and was the first time that she had won through to a national final. The final was extremely close with Lorna losing out in the end but she was rightly very pleased to receive the runners up trophy in her first Welsh final.

John Lister won his group on shots difference for which he received his gold medal. Like Lorna John earned the right to play a semi final which he also won gaining a place in the final. Both finalists gave everything they could and John was able to keep his concentration throughout the match. He played some outstanding bowls to finally win through and claim the crown of Welsh Singles Champion.

The success of all three players exceeded expectations and enormous credit must go to them, their coach John Dakers and the members of Radnorshire Indoor Bowls Club who have supported, encouraged and included John, Lorna and Jake in the club over the past few years.

Credit must also go to the organisers of the Welsh Learning Disabilities Championships for putting on such a well run event and for making all players feel welcome. A special thank you to our dedicated coaches, namely John Rees, John Griffiths and Ken Evans.