History of Victoria Saints Bowls Club
Early Years (1908–1945)
The history of bowls at Victoria dates back to as early as 1908, with friendly matches recorded against Ammanford, Llanelli St Gabriels, and Dyfatty. The club’s green was officially opened on 17 June 1909 by Alderman J. H. Lee, who was presented with a silver jack by members of the Victoria team. Over a century later, this silver jack was generously returned to the club by descendants of Alderman Lee.
Records from the early decades are limited. Although friendly fixtures are known to have taken place against several emerging Swansea-area clubs, regular league play appears to have commenced only after the Second World War. No matches were played between 1939 and 1944, and it is believed that the club did not participate in the Swansea Bowling Association for extended periods. In 1945, Victoria joined the South Wales & Monmouthshire League, winning the Third Division that same year, followed by the Second Division in 1946, and achieving a remarkable treble by securing the First Division titles in both 1947 and 1948.
This period marked the beginning of a golden era for the club. Further national success came in 1952 and 1954 when Victoria captured the prestigious Welsh Team Championship—the Carruthers Shield. To this day, Victoria remains the only Swansea club to have achieved this distinction twice.
The 1960s and 1970s
The mid‑1960s brought further accomplishments, with the club winning the Blackinston Cup in three consecutive seasons (1966–1968). During this period, Victoria also shared success with its neighbouring club, St Helens, winning one final by an impressive 18‑shot margin. The momentum continued into the 1970s, with another Blackinston Cup win in 1974 and a string of victories in the Mond Shield—seven times between 1968 and 1979—cementing this as one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
Jubilee Success and Decline (1969–1999)
The Diamond Jubilee year of 1969 was particularly notable, as Victoria achieved a historic treble—winning the First Division, Blackinston Cup, and Walter Withey Triples in the same season, a feat not previously accomplished by any club. This achievement was recognised by the Swansea Bowling Association with a commemorative shield and coverage in the Evening Post.
However, in 1980 the club faced turbulence following the departure of nine players. Under the leadership of member Frank Ffield, new bowlers—many from the Guildhall—helped preserve the club, though the team was relegated from Division 1 to Division 3 in successive seasons. Victoria remained in the lower divisions for nearly two decades before regaining First Division status around 2000.
Revival and Resilience (2000–2015)
The early 2000s marked a period of recovery. Several long-serving players returned, and while major trophies were elusive, the club stabilised in the First Division, finishing as runners-up on two occasions.
The centenary year in 2010 heralded new optimism as four former Landore players joined the ranks. Their addition strengthened the team, leading to three consecutive Division 1 championships (2010, 2011, and 2012). However, successive player departures in 2013 and 2014 saw membership drop sharply, leaving the club with only 15 active bowlers by 2015 and placing its future in doubt.
Amalgamation and Modern Era (2016–2023)
In 2016, discussions between Victoria and St Helens led to a merger that formed the Victoria Saints. The union revitalised the club and ensured the continuation of bowls at Victoria Green. Although some St Helens players later moved on, the merger proved essential in preserving the club’s legacy.
Between 2019 and 2023, membership fluctuated but the team continued to perform competitively, winning the Super 9 twice and securing the Walter Withey Triples titles in 2021 and 2023, along with consistent top-half league finishes.
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
The 2024 season did not yield major playing honours but represented progress off the green. The club successfully expanded its membership base, strengthened management practices, and secured funding for equipment upgrades. This period also saw the establishment of the Victoria Saints Men’s Shed, chaired by Rowley Thomas until his resignation in 2025.
Building on these developments, the club achieved notable success in 2025—reaching the quarter-finals of the Carruthers Shield and capturing the Division 1 Mond Shield, marking a renewed chapter of achievement in Victoria’s long and proud history.