Greenkeeping and Maintenance Team: Ian Wilson; David Leach; &, Tommy Roberts
Clwydian League A Team: Captain John Cartwright; Vice Captain Shan Eccles
Clwydian League B Team: Captain John Barrington; Vice Captain Carol Barrington
Clwydian League C Team: Captain John Probyn; Vice Captain Gaye Hiçdönmez
Colwyn Bay & Llandudno A Team: Captain Tommy Roberts
Colwyn Bay & Llandudno B Team: Captain Marina Roberts; Vice Captain Clarice Meeson
North Wales Coast A Team: Captain Ian Wilson; Vice Captain Shan Eccles
North Wales Coast B Team: Captain: Elaine Beech; Vice Captain Carol Barrington
Ladies Team (non-league): Captain Carol Barrington; Assistant Marina Roberts
Friendlies Organisers: Ian Wilson; Rosina Wompra; Shan Eccles; David Rogers Jones; and, Mary Hughes
U3A Organisers: Dave Holland and John Cartwright
Club Competitions: Handicap List
Betws yn Rhos Winter League: held at Betws yn Rhos Bowling Club: Captain Rhona Wright
Clwydian League: Vardre Deganwy ‘A’ Team
Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons.
Match News – 26th April 2022: The Team had a tough match (4th match of the season) Away to Dyserth with 3-wins overall. The first 3-matches of the season had been much closer in points difference underlining the strength of the opposition in this ‘A’ Division.
Match News – 19th April 2022: The Team won its first game on 19th April and is sitting comfortably in the middle of the ‘A’ Division Table.


2021:

Clwydian League: Vardre Deganwy ‘B’ Team
Matches are played on Tuesday afternoons.
Match News 17th May 2022: Great team performance, 7 winners – Gwyn, John, Carol, Hazel, Tom, David P, Ray and ably backed up by Ann’s 20 points against their current top player, we took the aggregate by 33 points, leaving us now 3rd in the Division with a 6-point lead on the team in 4th. Well done everyone. (Photographs below courtesy of Elaine Beech).




Match News – 19th April 2022: The Team had another win on 19th April and are now in 4th place in the ‘B’ Division, and they have the benefit of a game in hand over the three teams above them in the Table.
2021:




Captain’s Team Report at Halfway Stage in the Season 2022: We have played 11 having won 4 and lost 7. I am really pleased with our results because we started with just 5-players who had played before in a league team. All the new players are developing really well with first wins for Bunty, Sue, Gay, Sean, Karen, Alan, Derek and Fiona. And last, but not least, last week was Kevin who was 1:15 points down in his match and finished by winning the game 21:20. What a win which drew a huge round of applause from the team. Plus Keith played his first match for the team, managing a very respectable 18-points, pushing his opponent all the way to the end.
We are looking forward to the 2nd-half of the season and hoping that we move up the table from our current 9th (out-of-12) position in the Division. It is a really happy group of people and I am proud to be the Captain this season. We are sorry that, through ill health and an accident, Islwyn and Mary are unable to play at the moment but hopefully that will change long before the end of the season. Thanks to everyone for all their hard work. Captain John P
Match News – 19th April 2022: The new Team had a loss at their Away match on 19th April but all the members of the team are gaining excellent experience playing competitive matches and gathering knowledge of other Greens.

Matches are played on Wednesday evenings.
Monthly Match News – June 2022 (posted 16th June): Hi Team, last night was our first defeat in 8-games. We did great with 4-winners on a fast and difficult green so a final result of 8:4 making it a win for the home side. That was the half-way game of the season, and we are top of the Division with 67-points. St. Asaph and Craig y Don ‘B’ are joint 2nd on 53-points so we have a 14-point lead on them both. We have a free week next week so our next game is the Semi-Final in the Cup Competition on 29th June against St. Asaph. Venue for that is to be advised. Our next league game is on Monday 4th July away to Rhos Park ‘C’. So, if we can keep going as we are, we have a good chance of going up to the ‘A’ Division next season. We have a great group of people who are together and supporting each other in the games. Great TEAM SPIRIT. Thanks a lot for being a great team of people. Captain Tommy Roberts
Match News 18th May 2022: What a great Team performance again, with a 9:3 win Away at Dwygyfylchi playing their ‘A’ Team, plus great team spirit and friendly atmosphere. With 5-games now played, we are top of Division ‘B’, having won 4 and drawn the 5th game. We have 45-points and the next team below us, Penrhyn New Hall ‘A’, has 38-points but they have played one more game than ourselves. We play that team on 1st June.
I should like to say that it is an honour to be Captain of such a helpful and friendly group of people. Thanks a lot – it’s easy being Captain of this great Team. Captain Tommy Roberts
P.S. Our next game is a Cup Competition match at Craig-y-Don green to be played versus Penrhyn New Hall ‘A’ on Wednesday 25th May starting at 6:30pm (no roll-up).
Match News – Competition 27th April 2022: The Team had an excellent win against Rhos Park ‘C’ in the Preliminary Round of the Competition:- 233:182 points. Our Team had a 21-point disadvantage at the start of the match due to the Handicap System, so to win by 51-points was very impressive. The next Round is to be played on 25th May.
Match News – 20th April 2022: The Team has won both of its matches this season. It is now in 4th place in the Division with the benefit of a game in hand over all three teams above them. In addition, the Team has the best Home Average score of all the teams in Division with 194 points. Next week the Team will be playing in the Division’s First Round Competition so the next league game will be in two-weeks time.

Match News 25th May Cup Competition Vardre B v Penrhyn New Hall B (at Rhos Park):
Congratulations on a successful, enjoyable, tense, though sometimes nail-biting evening. Vardre B won the match, the aggregate being 246:243. Yes, we won by 3!! Every point counted and were extremely valuable.
We were bobbing in and out of the lead throughout the match, thanks to the determination of our bowlers. At the end of the ninth game, we were 5 points behind our opponents. Gwyn remained calm under pressure and won 21:13.
Thank you all for your tremendous efforts playing ,recording and supporting. Diolch yn fawr, Captain Marina Roberts
Match News Update and Report 12th May 2022: Having played 4 matches, we are 5th in the Division (Mid table). At our first match v Sunny Rhyl, who are currently top of the Division, it was nearly a draw. We lost the aggregate by 1 point. The final result being 3:8. At the second and third matches against Penrhyn New Hall C and Old Colwyn we had awesome wins. We won both matches 11:1. Our fourth match was “away” against Rhos on Sea A. All of our team members showed true grit on a very large and fast green. We lost the match 1:11. Tremendous efforts by all members of Vardre B. Congratulations to David Rogers Jones on his 21:11 win. Thank you to all who helped with recording, measuring, supporting and entertaining!!! As usual, we kept up our team Spirit and despite the score , we kept positive.
Our next match is Wednesday 18th May at home versus Abergele B .
On 25th May we have a Cup Match versus Penrhyn New Hall B at Rhos Park bowling green. It’s onwards and upwards!!!!
Cup Match News 27th April 2022: Well done all on a very successful though cold evening. We won the match 8:2, the aggregate being 282: 201. The opposing team could only play 9 players which gave us a “walk over”. Many, many thanks to all players, reserves and supporters. You all played your part in the win. Our opponents in the next round will be Penrhyn New Hall B, which should prove to be a difficult match, but our team spirit will be a very valuable asset. The match will be held on Wednesday 25th May. It was impressive to see the team spirit shared by all Vardre members. You all stayed and supported one another, unlike our opponents. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Captain Marina
North Wales Coast League: Vardre Deganwy ‘A’ Team 2022

Matches are played on Saturday afternoons. The first match of the Season was held on 23rd April 2022.

Match News 18th June 2022 – DYSERTH DISTRAUGHT!: The Saturday A team recovered to narrowly beat a strong Dyserth side by just 8 points for a 7-5 win. After a scorching few days since midweek, overnight drizzle had considerably reduced the pace of the green, whether that had been to our visitors’ advantage, we shall perhaps never know! Several of their team certainly bowled our green well, and they led 3-1 and +16 on the aggregate after the first 4 blocks. With 2 winners apiece in the middle order, a slight recovery was made, but our final pair got off to excellent starts, and turned the match in our favour at the death.
GOOD wins for Shan, Gwyn, Rhona, Bill and Ian. Doreen was unfortunately only beaten on some marks. Diane, Tommy, Alan and John all came up against strong opponents, but they would admit disappointment, as they are all capable of greater consistency on another day – such is the game of bowls!!
With Prestatyn Highbury losing and Abergele without a game, this latest win (our 4th from 7 matches) lifted us back into exact mid-table position in the League. Our match away at a strong St. Asaph side next Saturday signals the half-way point of the 2022 season, and WELL DONE TEAM, we are making good progress. It will certainly not be easy, but a similar return through July and August MAY guarantee us a place in B Division for another year. UP THE VARDRE. Captain Ian
Match News 11th June 2022 – WEST IS BEST: West of the Conwy estuary for the 3rd time out of 4 away fixtures already, we crossed the Straits to the Llanfairpg (short version) green. On arrival, the “homesters” that were not practising were gathered around the sheriff’s office and saloon at the far side of the green, whilst our members appeared to be awaiting the next bus into Bangor, sheltering from the wind next to the road. Bear in mind that in our previous away fixture we scored just one point at Abergele, and our opponents had thrashed Holyhead 12-0 at this venue. We have little respect of form and reputation, and for the second time this season we produced an upset.
Great wins from Paul and Gwyn gave us an early lead, especially as Rhona and Shan had battled so hard to tip the aggregate our way. Three closer wins from Bill, Tommy and JC increased our lead slightly in the middle order. Diane was somewhat disadvantaged drawing the same opponent who turns out for Dwygyfylchi in midweek, but with honours shared in the final 2 games (Dave and Ian) we triumphed 8-4 (courtesy of our + 12 on overall aggregate after 6 winning cards)
YET another great TEAM effort, with individuals battling for every point, excellent support from the side and a thoroughly deserved win, which was sportingly recognised by the home captain, Geraint Booth, at the end. It only proves once again that on our day we are a match for anyone, I still believe that we shall be competing to stay in this B division in 2 months time, but we have now gained 2 unexpected results on our travels, which is a big bonus in our quest for survival. A rare home game next Saturday, before another couple of journeys – east to St.Asaph, and let’s say slightly north-east to Rhos on Sea!!! IAN
Match News 28th May 2022: Not the best of afternoons at Abergele for the A team on Saturday, as the home side gained revenge for a 12-0 drubbing in the Wednesday League a fortnight ago, by thrashing us 11-1 in the Coast League fixture. To their credit they bowled their green very well, and we were caught out by the change of pace in the green depending on where the jack was sent. In most of the games the scores were level up to the half-way point, but the home players finished strongly and were deserved winners on the day. The defeat meant we dropped 3 places in the League table, but we always knew this was going to be a tough period as FIVE of our 6 matches through late May/early June are Away. Next match is on June 11th when we travel over to “Sir Fon” to play Llanfairpg (shortened version). Definitely a new venue possibly for all except 2 of our squad, but no problem, they only went and beat Holyhead 12-0 yesterday as we floundered at Abergele (and the Holyhead team must play quite regularly on that green!!)
Both A and B teams have byes next Saturday (June 4th) and so both squads will take part in an event commencing at 1-30pm at the Vardre green. Captain Ian Wilson
Match News 14th May 2022: The first expression was that of probably all our players as we approached the sadly-vandalised green of Holyhead, after almost an hour’s drive along the A55. What is a difficult green to read at the best of times with all its rises and dips over the entire green, suddenly became a “lottery” and a case of how many bumps you either avoided or caught. Perhaps also in its current condition, not as much an advantage to HOME bowlers either!!
We did get 4 good winners, and to their credit our losers battled throughout their games – sometimes it’s a case of “luck of the draw” that decides your fate. Holyhead certainly fielded a stronger side in their first home fixture, and as always, we were given excellent hospitality by a very friendly Club, on a gloriously sunny afternoon on the NW coast of the island.
I was happy with 4 points in the end as the home side certainly deserved their win, it will be interesting to see how other teams cope with the green during the season. Captain Ian Wilson
Match News – 7th May 2022: Another excellent team display saw our Saturday A team finish strongly to overcome a strong PRESTATYN HIGHBURY side on a glorious afternoon at the Vardre green. We had 3 defeats in the first half of the game, but triumphed 4-1 in the remaining 5 games, to run out eventual 8-4 winners, taking the aggregate score by a clear 26 points. With one 20 and two 17s among our losing cards, we amassed over 190 points for a 2nd successive week, and the margin of victory “could” have been even better. Three consecutive wins now for Rhona, and she currently has the best individual record in the entire B Division, Diane missed out on a similar 100% record – this week her comeback fell one short, losing 20-21 (from 3-13 down at one stage). First appearances of the season for both Alan and Gwyn, neither having played competitively since 2019, good to have you both back, and special thanks to Gary who volunteered to help out when it looked as if I was likely to be one player short late on Friday.
FIVE of our next 6 matches are surprisingly Away, and with 2 blank weeks in the calendar also, our next home game is on June 18th, and after that – Sat July 9th when we host Bangor City, as the fixture order becomes reversed. Without HOME green advantage, it will be very difficult to sustain our recent form, but the team is playing with renewed confidence, individuals are improving their game, and there is a splendid atmosphere throughout each match. Whatever the outcome, we aim to enjoy the experience in B Division. In Alan’s words “COME ON THE V..A..R..D..R..E” Ian
Match News – 30th April 2022: “A great team display and some outstanding individual performances in an unexpected 8-4 away success at Bangor (relegated at the end of the last season from the ‘A’ Division). Good wins from Rhona, John and Dave, aided by some battling games from Doreen, Shan and Tommy, kept us marginally in front. But it was the comebacks of Bill and Diane that probably changed the game. Bill recovered from 3-13 down to lose to 20 at the last end, and Diane (playing former Welsh Champion John Short) eventually won 21-19, having been 9-17 down at one stage. Ian and Paul ‘s opponents (playing at 9th & 10th) were too shocked to respond. The Bangor players were very complimentary of our team’s ethos and togetherness, and it is such a pity that their green requires so much attention – it certainly wasn’t an advantage to them on the day.” Report by an Wilson, Captain
Match News – 23rd April 2022: At the end of the 2019 Season, the ‘A’ Team won promotion to the ‘B’ Division in the League. Due to Covid, any matches played since then have been friendlies. Today the league resumed and the new team, made up of previous players and a few newbies, had its first match in the ‘B’ Division against one of the two teams that had been relegated at the end of 2019 from the ‘A’ Division. A tough start but the team had 4-wins and only missed out on the extra Aggregate points by 4-points.
2021:
The last game of the 2021 season. Everyone still going strong (above).

The new Captain for 2022 is Elaine Beech. Matches are played on Saturday afternoons.

Match News 11th June 2022: Another terrific team effort and well deserved win against Grove Park A. 6 wins – thanks to Wendy, Colin, Steve, Carol B, Linda and yours truly, and to other team members who scored high double figures to help secure the aggregate by 31points (182-151). We continue to sit a very respectable 4th in the table and within striking distance of the two teams above us which we play in our next two games. So well done to everyone and let’s push to go for every point in these two games.
My thanks to all who, in addition to game points, are contributing by measuring, marking, and carrying out the range of tasks needing to be done pre- and post matches. Captain Elaine Onward and Upward!
Match News 28th May 2022: A great team effort and well deserved win against Penmaenmawr B. 6 wins – thanks to Clarice, Linda, John P, Colin S, Steve, and John B and to the rest of the team who all scored double figures to help secure the aggregate by 19pts (188-169).
So, after a third of the season having won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1, we are sitting a very respectable 4th in the table. Well done everyone. We are a squad of 12 who are very supportive of each other and we thank 5 additional members (Gay, Marina, Tom, Claire and Colin B) who help us out by filling in when necessary. My thanks to everyone who, in addition to game points, has contributed by measuring, marking, and carrying out the range of tasks needing to be done pre- and post matches. Captain Elaine Beech
Match News 30th April 2022: A great team effort and well deserved win against Bryn Newydd ‘B’. 6 wins – thanks to John P, Colin S, Clarice, Roger, John B and Ann, and to the rest of the team who all scored in double figures securing the aggregate by 1 (184-183). Phew! Onward and Upward! Captain Elaine Beech
Ist Match of Season News: The ‘B’ Team had a challenging first game this Season in the ‘D’ Division and achieved 3-wins Away from Home but they too were playing one of the 2-teams relegated in 2019 from the Division above.
Match News 18th April 2022: The Ladies Team had a good win in the first match of the season against tough opposition. There was also a very good turnout of supporters so thank you all for the additional encouragement. But nobody brought the Pom-Poms, nor had the lads devised a Cheerleading dance routine that they could have performed on the sidelines to make the day complete. Maybe next time.

Friendlies

Friendly doubles are held on Thursday afternoons. The Organisers will compile the doubles pairings to play against another club. This is a great way to play with a more experienced player and to gain experience playing a match against another club.
Club Competitions Handicap List for 2022
Handicapping system as agreed by the Club Committee:-
All matches are played at Betws-yn-Rhos Club.
9th March 2022 Match: The Winter Team, led by Rhona, achieved three wins today ensuring the team has a second season in the “A” Division of the Winter League. It was an exciting day for the last match of the season with Rhona, the Captain, leading the way with the first win of the day. Everyone played their hearts out. Congratulations to the whole team (including those not in the photos below, i.e. Linda, Ian, Rob, Paul and Sheila). Additional Congratulations to Clarice for her first win of the season.
Greenkeeping and Maintenance Team

Ian W, David L and Tommy R look after the green all year round. It has looked exceptional all season and so has been very enjoyable to play bowls on. They are volunteers and dedicate many hours every week towards the care and development of the green, and we all owe them a big debt of gratitude for their skills and commitment. If you would like to give them any assistance, please talk to them, they will be pleased to hear from you.
Update from Ian W on 30th January, 2022:

With a definite improvement in the Covid situation, and with notice of Welsh and League AGMs re-scheduled to take place in the next month or so, it is appearing quite likely that we may have a relatively normal season ahead in 2022.
Winter maintenance at the Club is also on schedule despite a wet November and December (which hampered our work on the green, but didn’t deter Tommy from being down in all weathers completing repair and improvement work around the perimeter and in the Clubhouse). Fortunately, a dry January has allowed us to cut and aerate again and, with the help of applications of our expert’s various chemicals, the green currently appears in good condition. So much so that any top-dressing or seeding in the Spring will be at the bare minimum.
Therefore, expecting an early April start to League matches, weather permitting, we intend to open the green on Saturday 19th March to allow our members a couple of weeks’ opportunity to practise prior to a return to competitive bowling.
Tommy has already completed a significant amount of painting in the past fortnight, and Dave and myself will be gradually lowering the cut, aerating and scarifying the surface through February and early March.
As has been the norm in previous years, on the weekend of 12/13th March we shall be asking for volunteers to help with final tasks in preparation for our President’s Opening event.
So, NOT LONG NOW!! Ian W