IN A game crucial to two teams vying for the Municipal League 1 title, Barry Romilly Bowling Club faced a major challenge against last year's league champions Gilfach Bargoed on Saturday.

Renewed belief at Romilly meant the hosts were in a positive mood and this was evident as they led 20-12 after five ends and increased this advantage to nine shots by the 10th end.

Despite a forecast of heavy rain, the weather remained fine and so did Romilly, with Brian Foscolo’s rink scoring 14 shots without reply between the fifth and 10th ends.

In a hard fought game, the Romilly rinks of Jeff Wright and Mel Newman found it tough going, but, fortunately, Graham Cogbill’s rink played well against opponents skipped by Welsh international Carl Wood and held a slender lead at the 15th end.

Leading 56-48 with six ends left, Romilly knew that concentration and belief were necessary on the run-in and, although the game remained close, this carried them through to a 77-73 win and 10 out of 14 points.The losing Newman and Wright rinks more than held their opponents in check, while the Cogbill and Foscolo fours registered excellent wins.

‘Rom’ remain top of the league and, with four games left, have an excellent chance of taking the title.

Romilly: J Wright 13-21; M Newman 14-22; G Cogbill 23-20; B Foscolo 27-10. Romilly 77, Gilfach 73.