This year our Five-way battle turned out to be a Four-way affair owing to the absence of our friends from Trostre & Velindre. However, the remaining four clubs: Aberdare, Bridgend, Neath and Pyle & Porthcawl fought a very close run battle in a packed Neath clubhouse with each club having submitted 8 high quality images. Thanks to judge Brian Sewell for his excellent critiques and comments (He can’t recommend using Sat Nav to get to the club though!). His marking reflected the high standard of work with very few images falling below 16/20. Eventually, after all 32 images had  been judged there was no outright winner with Aberdare and Neath tying on 139/160.
Neath Chairman Kevin Hunt thanked all for taking part and declared that the shield should be awarded to Aberdare as they had scored two 20’s in their 8 images.
Congratulations to all involved and we look forward to our next Close Encounter.
Arfon John (PRO)