PEMBROKE DOCK 82
TENBY 74
The Jones and Jones Tenby team travelled to Pembroke Dock for a much-awaited league encounter.
Tenby with a strong side 'on paper', were determined to avenge defeats by the Dock over the last two seasons. After the usual welcome speeches by both captains, the two sides got down to business.
Paul Diment's rink of Sam McNeilly, Terry Preston and John Baggott started off well, cruising into an early 11-shot to one lead, but then suddenly dropped a six followed by a four, game on! But again the class of Paul, backed with steady bowling from his rink, managed to pinch it by one shot. This victory was the only plus of the day.
Skip Terry Howells, who played some amazing shots to keep his rink in the game, unfortunately lost by one shot on the last end. Exhaustion was the excuse from Webby and Eldorado Newth, because prior to the game Alan Redman had decided to take them all on a long tour of Pembrokeshire.
Captain Pat's rink of Dai Spencer, Dave Morgan and Peter Day were always in contention against the experienced Les Davies, but a rather lacklustre performance throughout saw them lose by seven shots. To make matters worse, the disconsolate rink returned to their car only to discover a puncture. Dai volunteered to change it, which led to the remark of "That's the nearest you've been to a jack all day!"
Mal Bishop returned at skip, with Ian Badham, Bill Bailey and Andrew Muskett completing the foursome. Another 'nip and tuck' match ensued, but the Pembroke Dock rink led by Harry Hangar ran out one shot winners.
Losing overall by eight shots was to say the least a disappointing performance by the Tenby side. Key players underperformed and more concentration most certainly must be called for, especially on 'away' greens. Gone are the days when Tenby only just needed to turn up!
Rink scores (Tenby first, Pembroke Dock skips only):
Sam McNeilly, Terry Preston, John Baggott, Paul Diment 23; R. Pointon 22.
Alan Redman, Jon Webb, Dai Newth, T. Howells 18; D. Burns 19.
Dai Spencer, Dave Morgan, Peter Day, Pat Currie 18; L. Davies 25.
Ian Badham, Bill Bailey, Andrew Muskett, Mal Bishop 15; H. Hangar 16.
TENBY 82 ARDAGH 94
Tenby entertained the touring side Ardagh from Bristol on Sunday. Except for the wind gusting throughout the afternoon, the weather was very kind to us.
The Ardagh team were in high spirits after spending most of the night before in our club lounge, taking bets on who would be the rink with the highest shots against score, thereby having to parade in bunny outfits, complete with rabbit ears and powder puff tails!
The game itself was played with much hilarity, the opposing captain looking and acting like Bernard Manning. Each time there was a toucher, the cry went up 'toucher" and the lady Ardagh runners rushed out with a brandy and lovage, much to the delight of the one who had had the toucher.
Tea was taken after 10 ends -no speeches then as everyone wanted to get back out and get a toucher. By the end of 21 ends there was some big smiles and rosy cheeks and everyone adjourned to the club lounge.
Ardagh captain Stewart Short was presented with a club tie and a Tenby Bowling Club plaque for his clubhouse.
In response, he presented the Tenby club with one of their club shields and thanked Tenby members for the wonderful welcome given to them and for the use of the club premises. He and all his team were most impressed with our green - the best they had ever played on -and the facilities at Tenby, and hoped they would be able to return in the near future.
Winners of the raffle of the day were Cyril Roberts, Tenby, and Valerie Wells, Ardagh.
Rink scores (Tenby first, Ardagh skips only):
P. Jones, D. Rees, G. Hill, B. Bailey 20; K. Harries 15.
T. Harvey, G. Brutnell, L. Richards, P. Barnikel 14; P. Pitman 29.
M. Skyrme, R. Thake, P. Best, D. King Thomas 15; P. Beardmore 19.
C. Roberts, B. Harvey, G. Beynon, B. Best 16; K. Lewis 18.
M. Draper, T. Brutnell, M. Cooke, M. Crockford 17; C. Davies 13.
WHIST
Here we are, halfway through the bowling season and no sign of summer. Whatever the weather, our enthusiastic whist members are thoroughly enjoying the year-round whist drives. This much-appreciated enthusiasm is rewarded with generous prize-monies and even the longest sitter now gets the traditional box of eggs.
NB. Tenby Bowling Club whist is played at 7.30 pm sharp every Thursday and at 2 pm sharp every Saturday in the club's function room, Sutton Street. New members and visitors are always very welcome.
Results for Thursday, June 5: Top score - Pearl Thomas; first lady - Gwenith James; second lady - Mabel Whittaker; first gent - Thelma Hunter; second gent - Joan Dorling; first half winner - Bill Whittaker; second half winner - Rosa Middleton; longest sitter - Vera Burrows; raffle - Joan Rees and Thelma Hunter.
Results for Saturday, June 7: Top score - Muriel Griffiths; first lady - Gwenith James; second lady - Gladys Cleaton; first gent - Peggy Fender; second gent - Roly Hughes; first half winner - Elsie Breadnam; second half winner - Vera Burrows; longest sitter - Joan Tester; raffle - Peggy Fender and Roly Hughes.
GOSCAR 59
PEMBROKE DOCK B 101 (14 pts.)
With skips Reg Thake injured and Alan Rootes in hospital, Goscar fielded six junior bowlers in a new-look team for their Brewers Cup match against Pembroke Dock B at home on Tuesday, June 3.
Rob Wilkins's rink, with junior Sam Ormond playing lead, sent up some good woods, supported well by Stewart Askew, playing second, and 'on time' Alex Vincent third. Eleven-four down after seven ends, they pulled back to 15-15 after 16 ends, unluckily losing a six on the 19th end to finish 24-20 down.
Harry Meads's rink, with junior Scott Meads as lead, junior captain Joseph Richards second and Johnathan Hubbard third, found themselves up against the competitive rink of M. Young. They all gave of their best, but there is no substitute for experience.
Stuart Paul, who had been moved up to skip out of necessity, found himself up against the rink led by Pembroke Dock captain, Carl Hughes. Junior Jacob Perry played lead, with Stewart Taylor second and junior Liam McDaid moving up to third. As a rink all new to bowling, they showed plenty of fight and determination, although going down by 20 shots. Opposing captain Carl Hughes said he could see the natural talent they had there, just needing a bit more coaching. Watch this space in future!
Captain Ted moved up to skip in place of the injured Reg Thake. Howls of laughter were heard all round the club when this was known. Junior Chas Beech had a good game at lead, drawing right on to the jack several times, and new member Colin Henderson, playing in his first game, showed he is going to be a great asset to the team.
Airborne Bill Bailey played his usual reliable game and skip Ted surprised himself and the rink by being near the mark most of the time. The lead changed hand six times, it was that close. In fact, it was 16-all after 20 ends, but with the last wood of the game, opposing skip Bryn Rixon played a good shot to make two and finish 18-16 up.
Rink scores (Goscar first, Pembroke Dock skips only):
S. Meads, J. Richards, J. Hubbard, H. Meads 12; M. Young 28.
S. Ormond, S. Askew, A. Vincent, R. Wilkins 20; S. Davies 24.
J. Perry, S. Taylor, M. McDaid, S. Paul 11; C. Hughes 31.
C. Beech, C. Henderson, B. Bailey, T. Brutnell 16; B. Rixon 18.
FIVE ARCHES 86 (12 pts.)
SAUNDERSFOOT 67 (2)
What a day to savour for the Arches side. Massive underdogs, and hosting one of the top teams in the county. Nobody can ever doubt the support that the side give to Doug and Mike, but this time it was one hundred per cent plus. Was it the team talk beforehand? If it was, they were a far more fired up side than for a long time.
But it takes two sides to make a game of it and the village team did just that and more.
On a sun-soaked drama-packed afternoon, the game unfolded before the many spectators around the green. Eighty-plus years young Kitty Bliss arrived well in time for the kick-off to choose her place in the sun, and she was quickly followed by her friends Val, May, Rene and many others. New debutant Trevor Harvey had wife Belinda and sister-in-law Sue giving him moral support. Denis and Ann Bancroft were keeping an eye on nephew Myrddin Dennis, and many visitors were enthralled as the game progressed.
Neil Dickinson again gave a top class performance, while John Roberts played well for 'Uncle' Donnie's rink. It was all-square on the penultimate end, only for the visitors to pinch the vital shot. Ray and his boys battled all the way and were spontaneously applauded off the green by next rink neighbours, Mike and his lads.
At the 11th end, Dai and his crew were seven shots adrift, but they pulled back to go into the last end one shot to the good. Then Dave pulled off a magnificent last wood to clinch the game for his rink by two shots. Doug Silcox had a good all-round game and with Dave having a good second-half, it was a satisfactory win against a strong Saundersfoot rink.
It was a strong middle patch for Roy and his foursome that saw them pick up 14 shots without reply. And though Myrddin and his men came back at them over the final few ends, they hung on to a three-shot win. Roy was back to his majestic self, Gwyn was pounding up and down the green like a Grand National mare. Tony and Max gelled well together to give the back end a chance to play their shots. Again, another good performance against a strong visitors' rink.
Denying the visitors the jack for eight ends saw Mike's crew pull into a 20-shot to three lead by the 14th end, but keeping things tight saw them home in the end by 15 shots. Newcomer Trevor Harvey had a steady game, considering he was pitched into the cauldron against the village side. Even Stephen Poole, who's seen it all, regular county skip, former Under 15 international, admitted that Trev's first appearance was a credit to him.
Credit must also be given to Steve and his lads who took their defeat magnanimously. A credit to themselves and their club and an example to many.
Gerald's warm-up exercises took more out of him than we thought, but he is so keen on his game and so enthusiastic in the rink that it rubs off onto the members. A wonderful, wonderful day for the Arches, with the visitors being chivalrous to their hosts on their win.
Just hope this new team spirit keeps surfacing for the rest of the season.
Rink scores (Five Arches first, Saundersfoot skips only):
B. Barnikel, J. Taylor, D. Silcox, D. King-Thomas 21; David Poole 19.
M. Donoghue, T. Powling, G. Beynon, R. Powling 20; M. Dennis 17.
J. Best, N. Dickinson, G. Hill, R. Holly 19; Don Poole 20.
G. Hewitt, T. Harvey, P. Hooper, M. Crockford 26; S. Poole 11.
The Arches are sponsored by Stena Line.
Match sponsor was China Town Restaurant.
Team to play Milford Haven on Sunday, June 15, at Milford, is as follows: G. Hewitt, C. Guymer, P. Hooper, M. Crockford; A. N. Other, T. Powling, G. Beynon, R. Powling; B. Russell, N. Dickinson, G. Hill, R. Holly; B. Barnikel, J. Taylor, D. Silcox, D. King-Thomas.
MEMORIES
What a fantastic weekend the club hosted. Friday night saw the Golf Club being entertained for the Arthur Ormond Trophy, a beautiful large cut glass bowl donated by Richard and Robert in memory of their father, who was president of both clubs.
Rules were relaxed and there was much quaffing of the amber nectar around the green. Hayley did a wonderful job as unpaid waitress bringing the drinks round, negotiating the stairs without spilling a drop. The clubhouse was full to bursting after the game. The buffet, as usual, was great, thanks to the Redman catering company.
There were a few ashen faces around the green the following morning. "Did you enjoy the party Gerald?" I asked innocently. "Cracking," he replied. "I shared a taxi home with someone, but I can't remember who it was." Some party, some man.
Saturday dawned bright and clear and the game against Saundersfoot was a classic.
Some magic moments recalled: The concentrated faces on the team as we held a pre-match talk; Gwyn Beynon so engrossed running after his wood, without breaking into a sweat; Jim Taylor standing in characteristic fashion, arms and legs crossed, on the edge of the rink, happened to catch the captain's eye, unfolded his arms and started clapping, only to realise it was a visitor's wood he was applauding!
The two Powling brothers' faces split from ear to ear with smiles after the game; Dai King-Thomas shouting, cracking jokes and telling everyone about his last magical wood, and drinking - and all at the same time; Bert sitting with a bemused look on his face, and for once completely lost for words.
Peter Hooper wanted to celebrate all night - I don't think Betty would have been too pleased; Maxie sitting quietly, rolling the proverbial fag; Roy, relaxed and pleased now with his game, after the dreadful loss of form and injury he suffered at the start of the season.
"Tony, I think I'll crack a nice bottle of red when I get home." "Will it be a smooth Beaujolais?" he was asked. "No fear, there's a nice litre at Somerfield for £2," he replied. This man knows his wines.
Sunday was the turn of the juniors as they hosted Saundersfoot and Pembroke Dock. Looking resplendent in their new kit, they entertained the large crowd with some great bowling.
As captain Joe Richards said, "We get bigger crowds than Tenby." Quite right Joe.
President Ben Owens led the many club members supporting the lads. After the match, it was the turn of Val James, Jean Salisbury, Rose Handicott, Joan Dorling and Pauline Barnikel to lay on a feast for the bowlers.
Thanks also go to Gerry Brutnel for her needlework skills in shortening the flannels for the youngsters!
Joe thanked the ladies in his speech after, as did the Saundersfoot captain. The juniors were a credit to the club on Sunday.
The afternoon saw a Bristol side entertained, and they had a novel idea that when the wood touched the jack you shouted "toucher." The ladies brought a concoction of brandy and lovage. Don't ask me what lovage is, just hold your nose and gulp.
Margaret Skyrme and Peggy Best were in scintillating form and had five touchers each. Margaret was positively glowing after the third. Meryl Cooke mistakenly got carried away as she also had a load of touchers, and then mistakenly drank the opposing lead's drink as well.
They were lovely tourists and were vastly impressed with our facilities.
One final memory. After Gwyn and Mike walked home, Mike realised he had left his car down town. He only had one toucher - honest!
All agreed that the club had done itself proud over the weekend, but we don't want a hectic one like that for a while.
TENBY JUNIORS 27
SAUNDERSFOOT JUNIORS 19
The experience that Joe and Liam Mcdaid are having with playing for Goscar was evident in this junior friendly with near neighbours Saundersfoot. Opposing Joe was Matthew Dick, who has played for St. Brides. After nine ends it was all-square, but Tenby managed to pick up eight shots over the last few ends to come home by 14 shots to seven.
Liam, with sister Aishleen and Alec Harley up front, went into the last end all-square, and with Liam and James criddle each making shot, it was left to Liam to make the game safe for the home side.
All six juniors were a credit to the game.
Rink scores (Tenby Juniors first, Saundersfoot Juniors skips only):
M. Mcdaid, A. Harley, L. Mcdaid 13; J. Criddle 12.
S. Meades, S. Ormond, J. Richards 14; M. Dick 7.
TENBY JUNIORS 10 PEMBROKE DOCK JUNIORS 18
It was left to Darrel, Tom and Lloyd to take on the older Pembroke Dock threesome, and they performed with credit. The Dockers picked up nine shots over the last few ends.
The juniors certainly enjoyed the morning, Daryll and Lloyd returning in the afternoon to watch the game and Alec and Sam putting in some practice in the evening.
It is hoped to arrange a game later in the month at Saundersfoot. Practice takes place again on Sunday at 10.30 am.
Rink score (Tenby first, Pembroke Dock skip only):
L. Thomas, T. Nicholas, D. Mansbridge 10; C. John 18.
WHITLAND LADIES 39
FIVE ARCHES LADIES 29
Thanks to captain Alison Redman and her rink, the Five Arches ladies picked up two points from their recent match against Whitland.
Rink scores (Arches first, Whitland skips only) were:
L. Deli, J. Bancroft, V. James 12; A. Thomas 23.
S. Williams, G. Brutnell, B. Russell. A. Redman 16; J. Wills 12.
FIVE ARCHES LADIES 29
SAUNDERSFOOT LADIES 56
The Five Arches ladies found Saundersfoot in cracking form when they entertained them at a sun-drenched Sutton Street green recently.
Rink scores (Arches first, Saundersfoot skips only) were:
J. Bancroft, M. Cooke, V. James, A. Redman 14; M. Evans 36.
I. Silcox, G. Brutnell, A. Owens, V. Williams 15; C. Morgan 20.
ST. ISSELL'S LADIES 50
FIVE ARCHES LADIES 22
The Five Arches ladies were disappointed to come away empty handed from last Thursday's league encounter with St. Issell's ladies.
Rink scores (Arches first, St. Issell's skips only):
B. Russell, G. Brutnell, A. Owens, V. Williams 12; B. Lewis 25.
J. Bancroft, M. Cooke, V. James, A. Redman 10; B. Lawrence 25.