A bowls club in Finchley has risen from the ashes to win a tournament nine years after arsonists destroyed the clubhouses.

Victoria Bowling Club, which play at Victoria Park, in Finchley, took the team to victory in the Coronation Cup on Sunday, August 8.

After arsonists destroyed the clubhouse nearly a decade ago it was on the brink of closing – but members are celebrating a new era of thriving activity.

Nick Williams, from the winning team, said: “This has put us back on the map. May the phoenix continue to rise from the ashes.”

The 57-year-old author joined the club 12 months ago when the death of a Finchley neighbour prompted him to get more involved in the community.

Although the tough tournament lasted for four hours and tested the players’ endurance, Mr Williams said he enjoys the social community as much as the competition.

And that community is growing as the club attracts more and more new members, who all benefit from free coaching from player John Davies.

Ken Morley, 93, is described as the “hit of the club” and the strongest man on the winning team, despite taking up bowling from scratch only last year.

The team’s skipper David Williams, 67, said: “I’ve won different things at different places but this was the best because it is nice to see Finchley Vic back in the picture.

“We’ve been out of the picture for so long but we think we’re going right to the top now.”

In July 2006 the club suffered two separate arson attacks days apart, which burnt both the men’s and women’s clubhouses to the ground.

Some loyal members resiliently continued to play, using temporary porta-cabins to make cups of tea and shelter from the rain.

But membership dwindled and so the players combined into a mixed-gender team.

After a £440,000 regeneration project supported by Barnet council, the club opened a new unisex pavilion with ample room for social events in 2009.

Now, in the wake of the recent success, membership coordinator Gary Bargroff is looking forward to welcoming people of all ages, whether for a free trial or to join the club.

For more information call Gary Bargroff on 07956 546457 for or visit Finchley Victoria Bowling Club in Victoria Park, entrance on Ballards Lane, Finchley.