Club Honours / History - Gelli Park Bowls Club

Gelli Park Bowls Club

For a relatively small club, the history of Gelli Park Bowls Club speaks volumes about its remarkable achievements and legacy.

The club's rise to prominence began in the late 1930s. At that time, Darren Park was considered the premier local club, but Gelli Park started gaining recognition thanks to the exceptional talent of its players, most of whom lived within just two miles of the green.

When Gelli Park won its first Carruthers Shield, more than half the team consisted of members from the same families: four Evanses, three Colemans, and two Reeses. This family connection highlighted the strong community bonds that defined the club.

Many other dedicated members contributed to the club’s success and development, fostering young talent and encouraging new players. Names like Eddie Evans, Stan Royal, Fred Smith, Jack Smith, Ron Minton, Cyril Minton, Jackie Davies, Will Lewis, Abe Thomas, Percy Davies (Secretary), George Morris (Treasurer), D.I. Williams, Bill Powell, W.I. Jones, Roy Williams, Emlyn Lewis, T.H. Evans, Ken Chapman, Cliff Gilbert, Albert Davies, Jack Sackett, Jack Griffiths, Bert Pritchard, Sam Pritchard, Bill Halissy, Ben Lewis, Lewis Evans, Cyril Mantle, Ike Hodder, Evan Rowlands (known as Piggy), Frank Fox, George Woods, Mal Owen, and many more come to mind as key contributors to the club’s history.

What united these individuals was not just their skill in the game but their unwavering competitiveness, resilience, and total commitment to Gelli Park. In the 1940s, a young rink team consisting of Gwyn Evans, Gordon Evans, Ron Thomas, and Mansel Coleman (the oldest among them only 15 years old!) qualified for the Welsh Fours. To help them compete, club members came together and raised funds for their journey.

Interestingly, this team was set to play Gelligalad in the first round. However, their opponents objected, citing the youth of the Gelli quartet. This incident led to the Welsh Bowls Association implementing an age rule for its competitions—a testament to the impact Gelli Park's young players had on the sport.

The story of Gelli Park Bowls Club is one of talent, community, and an enduring love for the game. Its legacy lives on in the memories of those who contributed to its rich history.

Over the years, our club has proudly achieved an impressive array of milestones, a testament to our unwavering dedication, teamwork, and passion. From dominating local championships to excelling in regional and national competitions, we consistently demonstrate a standard of excellence. Our members have not only earned individual honors but have also played pivotal roles in securing collective victories through their skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

In 1972, Mal Evans of Gelli Park achieved an extraordinary feat, becoming the World Singles Champion at Worthing. He remains the only Welsh player to ever claim this prestigious title, a moment of immense pride and inspiration for our club and the wider community.

These achievements continue to inspire and unite us, fueling our commitment to growth and success. We honor our past triumphs and eagerly look forward to building on this proud legacy for years to come.

CLUB HONOURS & ACHIEVEMENTS

2024

Rhondda div 2 Champions
Mid Glam Div 2 runner-up

2022

Cynon Valley Bowls Mid Week League. Div 2. runners up.

2021

Cardiff Municipal Bowling League Div 2. Champions
Rhondda Monday 2 rink Div 2 runners up.

2019

Mid Glam Bowls League Division 2 Champions
Cardiff Municipal League Division 3 Champions

2018

W D JONES K/O Runners Up

2017

Winners of WDJones KO Cup.

2012

Rhondda Borough Bowling Association - Division 1 Champions

2011

Rhondda Borough Bowling Association - Division 1 Champions

2009

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS

2008

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS

2005

Mid Glam Bowling League Div1 Champions

2003

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Runners Up
Mid Glam Bowling League Div 1 Runners Up
Carruthers Shield Runners Up

2002

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS
Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners
Mid Glam Bowling League Div 1 Runners Up

2001

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS
Mid Glam Bowling League Div 1 Champions
Rhondda Borough Bowling Association - Division 1 Champions

2000

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS
Cardiff & District Municipal Bowling Association - CML Division 1 Runners Up
Rhondda Borough Bowling Association - Division 1 Champions
Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners
Mid Glam Bowling League Div 1 Runners Up

1999

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS
Cardiff & District Municipal Bowling Association - CML Division 1 Champions
Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Runners Up

1998

Cardiff & District Municipal Bowling Association - CML Division 1 Runners - Up
Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1997

Cardiff & District Municipal Bowling Association - CML Division 1 Champions
Carruthers Shield Runners Up

1995

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1994

R.B.B.A. - W.D.JONES K /O CUP WINNERS

1993

Rhondda Borough Bowling Association - Division 1 Champions
CML. - Division 2 Champions & Promotion to CML Div.1

1991

CML - Division 3 Champions & Promotion to CML Div 2

1990

CML - Division 4 Champions & Promotion to CML Div 3

1989

CML Division 5 Champions & Promotion to Div 4
Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Runners Up

1981

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1980

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1979

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1975

Mid Glamorgan Knock Out Cup Winners

1974

Gelli Park joins Newly Formed Mid Glamorgan County Bowling Association ^

1972

Mal Evans of Gelli Park won the World Singles Championship at Worthing to become World Champion. The only Welsh player to achieve this goal of becoming World Singles Champion.

1970

Carruthers Shield Winners

1969

Carruthers Shield Runners Up

1968

Carruthers Shield Winners

1965

Carruthers Shield Winners

1963

Carruthers Shield Winners

November 1912 : Gelli Park Founded

Honours Timeline

MALDWYN EVANS

WALES ONLY MEN'S SINGLES

WORLD CHAMPION

Maldwyn Lewis Evans (8 November 1937 – 30 December 2009), fondly known as "Mal" Evans, was a celebrated Welsh bowls champion who represented Gelli Park Bowling Club.

In 1972, he achieved the pinnacle of his career by winning the World Championship in Worthing.

Remarkably, Mal remains the only Welshman to have ever held the prestigious men's singles title.

From 1967 to 1985, Mal represented Wales in bowls, proudly playing as a member of the Gelli Park club throughout his career.

In 1974, two years after his World Championship triumph, he represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in the singles competition.

Mal also claimed two Welsh National Bowling Championship Pairs titles alongside his brother, Gwyn Evans, in 1966 and 1967. Gwyn would later go on to win the fours bronze medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, Mal demonstrated his individual brilliance by winning the Gibson-Watt Welsh Open Singles at Llandrindod Wells three times, in 1964, 1966, and 1967.