BARRY Athletic Bowls Club entertained reigning champions Aberdare Harlequins in the last 16 of the Carruthers Shield on Saturday, July 23.

The Athletic, slight underdogs, started in style to lead by around 20 shots at 13 ends. This was mainly due to the strong rink performance of Paul Webley, Chris Wright, Martin Clarke-Squires and Mark Thomas who found themselves 20 - 4 to the good against former Welsh international Gareth Hughes.

Harlequins could have been forgiven for not seeing a way back but their class showed as they got to within three shots with just three counting ends left across the board, inspired by Ross Owen.

Thankfully, Barry saw the game out by winning the last three ends, scoring six shots in the process and the celebrations began.

This was a massive win for The Stags as they have only been together for three years ago and were relegated from the top division and struggling to field a competitive team. However with the right leadership and new recruits they now believe they could qualify for their first semi-final place since 1992 when they take on Skewen in two weeks time.

Rink Scores:

Paul Webley, Chris Wright, Martin Clarke-Squires and Mark Thomas 28 - 15 Gareth Hughes

Tim Morgan, Geoff Whittaker, Peter Rogers and Robert Horgan 16 - 19 Chris Prosser

Gwynfor Parr, Jack Killin, Richard Bowen and David Wright 20 - 16 Lee Morgans

Steve Edwards, Dan Jones, Dean Rees and Glyn Thomas 15 - 20 Ross Owen

Barry Athletic 79 - Harlequins 70

The club would also like to thank AG Adams and son FuneralCare Directors for their sponsorship of the team's new shirts.