Tenby Bowling Club member John Roberts had his most memorable and successful international series since first being capped for his country 11 years ago.

John, who played second to Commonwealth Games representative, Jon Tomlinson, of RTB Ebbw Vale, was chosen to captain the team for the two-day series at Leamington Spa Bowling Club at the weekend. Also in the rink were Ben Thomas (Pontrhydyfen) at lead and Danny Davies junior (Beaufort), a regular entrant of both Saundersfoot and Tenby open tournaments, at third.

Wales opened their campaign with a 12-shot win against Ireland, followed by a huge 46-shot victory against Scotland.

Going into their final match against the hosts and defending champions, England, Wales topped the table and had a plus 35-shot advantage over their nearest rivals Ireland.

Despite losing to England by 21 shots, Wales held onto their shot advantage and won the Hamilton Trophy for the first time since 2012.

As well as being captain, John’s rink won all three of their matches and finished joint second rink of the whole series!

The trophy was presented by the British Isles Bowls Council president, who this year just happens to be Gerard Thomas, of Pembroke Dock.

At the British Isles Championships, held before the series, Whitland Bowling Club’s Andrew Evans, John Rees and Mike John represented Wales as triples champions.

Despite a strong second half, they were beaten by Ireland 23-15.

Andrew was also selected for the team event, but had to pull out at the last minute when his partner Stacey gave birth to their baby girl just two days before the start of the series. Selectors then called up his teammate Mike to the subs bench for the series.