FIVE ARCHES 85 FISHGAURD 62
With the forecast giving showers and wind, the Arches were lucky to complete their second friendly of the season when they entertained Fishguard at home on Sunday
With a few regulars absent for various reasons, it was a strange looking home side that took the green for this encounter.
Dave King Thomas and his crew were up against the experienced Davo Hughes, but still came away with a fine eight-shot win, with Johnathan Hubbard performing well in the difficult conditions.
Jim Taylor again starred in Roy Powling's rink, but opposing skip Mike Powers was in great form to continually spike the home rink, when they were holding shots.
Peter Hooper guided his crew to a 15-shot win, with Graham Hill and Neil Dickinson turning in good displays, much to the great pleasure of the skip.
A count of six saw Mike Crockford's rink home with a four-shot advantage, with teenagers Joe Richards and brother Jack having good first half performances. Gerald Hewitt, still settling in to the number three position, was very steady throughout.
When the Arches are at full strength and playing teams like Tenby and Saundersfoot, that will be the true measure of how they will prosper this season.
Rink scores (Arches first, Fishguard skips only):
Joe Richards, Jack Richards, G. Hewitt, M. Crockford 23; R. Pollard 19.
J. Taylor, T. Powling, G. Beynon, R. Powling 17; M. Power 21.
N. Dickinson, G. Hill, J. Best, P. Hooper 24; T. Evans 9.
C. Roberts, J. Hubbard, D. Silcox, D. King Thomas 21; D. Hughes 13.
MILFORD HAVEN 88 FIVE ARCHES 63
In this first of the season's friendlies, the visitors, although missing some regulars, still put up a spirited performance on a blustery afternoon at Milford.
Billy Russell bowled well at lead for Dave King Thomas's rink, well supported by John Hubbard. The Haven side had a strong 'back end' in Barry Howells and Don Griffiths.
Gwyn Beynon and his men were 10 shots up by the seventh end and still seven shots to the good by the 16th end, but the home rink scored nine without reply on the final five ends to ease home by two shots. Jim Taylor had a fine game.
Graham Hill was the pick of Bert Barnikel's foursome, but on a tricky rink the visitors went down by 12 shots.
Eleven-year-old Joe Richards and newcomer Gerald Hewitt were the stars in Mike Crockford's rink, that went down by five shots.
Rink scores (Arches first, Milford Haven skips only):
J. Richards, M. Donoghoe, G. Hewitt, M. Crockford 15; P. Collins 20.
C. Roberts, G. Hill, P. Hooper, B. Barnikel 15; R. Thomas 27.
J. Taylor, T. Powling, J. Best, G. Beynon 17; E. Sturley 19.
W. Russell, J. Hubbard, D. Silcox, D. King Thomas 16; D. Griffiths 19.
2003 SEASON
Most of the Tenby bowling teams have been practising their skills in a flurry of friendly matches since opening on April 12. Now they get down to the really serious business, commencing tomorrow (Saturday).
The Tenby team, sponsored once again by Jones and Jones of Tenby, is led by captain Patrick Currie, and having honed his team against two very strong sides, Ammanford Park and Beaufort, he is hoping for a repeat of their very successful 2002 series when they finished as Pembroke County BA first division league champions.
The happy band of Goscar bowlers also kick-off tomorrow at Pendine. Led by their new captain, Ted Brutnell, I know they will enjoy every moment and may well surprise a few teams.
The Five Arches team, sponsored by Stena Line and captained once again by Mike Crockford, have to be patient as they do not start until Saturday, May 10, but Mike's team are match fit and are hoping to improve their league position in the very tough first division of the PCBA.
The two very experienced lady bowling teams, Tenby team captained by Phyllis Jones and the Five Arches team captained by bubbly Alison Redman, are looking forward with relish after an inspiring 2002 season.
THURSDAY EVENING LEAGUE
John King and Alison Redman are resurrecting this very enjoyable mixed friendly evening internal club fixture for all members. Several members have already signed for the season and the more the merrier are welcome. Played every Thursday evening from 6 pm to approximately 8 pm, it is the ideal venue for improving your skills and meeting new members. A fun night. All information and list on notice board.
MONDAY EVENING LEAGUE
This men's evening league has been successfully run by Alan Redman for 11 years, and now reaches the round dozen (doesn't time fly). It will be starting soon and is aimed at the quality bowlers in the club. Any bowlers who seriously wish to improve their skills will find this vehicle testing and pleasurable. Entry list on our notice board. Play is every Monday, 6 pm until 8 pm.
LADIES TUESDAY EVENING LEAGUE
For the fourth time of asking, Alison Redman will officiate at the regular and popular Ladies Tuesday Evening League. Entry list in ladies room. A night of good fun mixed with some serious bowling commences every Tuesday evening at 6 pm until 8 pm approx.
LIZ AND ROY EDGE CUP
The Whitsun Bank Holiday sees the first internal tournament for members. This round-robin six ends format is usually very popular. Entry form is on the board. Please make the effort to make this a pleasant day for all by joining in, 9.30 am start.
WHIST
Results for Thursday, April 24: Top score - Joan Tester; first lady - Muriel Griffiths; second lady - Joan Dorling; first gent - Eric Sutcliffe; second gent - Pauline Barnikel; first half winner - Gladys Cleaton; second half winner - Gladys Irvine; longest sitter - Robert Irvine; raffle - Gladys Cleaton and Robert Irvine.
April 26: Missing from this whist drive was most senior player, Gweneth James, who was living it up celebrating her 95th birthday. A lady of character and a nicer person you could not meet. Good health and luck from your bowling friends.
Winners: Top score - Robert Irvine; first lady - Gladys Irvine; second lady - Gladys Cleaton; first gent - Gill Groom; second gent - Eric Sutcliffe; first half winner - Mair Marquiss; second half winner - Kath Sutcliffe; longest sitter - Gerry Meaney; raffle - Lelgarde McCartney, Eric Sutcliffe and Gladys Cleaton.
NB. Tenby Bowling Club whist is played at 7.30 sharp every Thursday evening and at 2 pm sharp every Saturday, in the club's function room, Sutton Street. New members are always very welcome.