The Layton & Co Solicitors sponsored Tenby team were at home in Carruthers action last week, up against current Pembrokeshire champions Whitland. This was the first of two matches in the space of four days against the Green Army. First up on rink one was Paul Diment with his rink of Dai Spencer, Ashley Hooper and Craig Guymer. A very close game ensued between the two rinks, but with good performances by Craig and Paul, the Tenby boys edged past the post by two shots. On rink two, Luke Guymer, John Baggott, Simon Evans and skip Pat Currie were in a similar close battle. The Whitland rink edged into an early lead and just managed to hold off Pat and his men in the fading light for a narrow one-shot victory. Another tight contest was also fought out on rink three. Terry Howells, the excellent Joe Richards, Jon Webb and skip Andrew Muskett had enough weapons in their armoury to grind out a two-shot win. Gerald Hewitt, Doug Silcox, John Roberts and Peter Day gave Tenby the breathing space to clinch the game. Always in the ascendancy, the Tenby four cruised to an impressive 14-shot victory. Seventeen shots was the overall winning margin and two Carruthers points in the group table. Captain Dai Spencer was more than pleased with the performance of his team, but insisted the job was not done until the Fishguard match next week, which could be a potential banana skin. Rink scores (Tenby first, Whitland skips only) were: Luke Guymer, John Baggott, Simon Evans, Pat Currie 19; C. Wynn 20. Gerald Hewitt, Doug Silcox, John Roberts, Peter Day 27; D. Jenner 13. Dai Spencer, Ashley Hooper, Craig Guymer, Paul Diment 16; A. Whitehouse 14. Terry Howells, Joseph Richards, Jon Webb, Andrew Muskett 18; S. Reese 16.

Whitland 61 (3 pts.) Tenby 90 (11)

The Layton & Co Solicitors sponsored Tenby team travelled to Whitland for a league encounter last Saturday. Confident after their Carruthers triumph earlier in the week, the Tenby squad still knew this was going to be a tough hill to climb. With a few minor changes to the team, they took to the green ready for battle. Rink one consisted of Luke Guymer, John Baggott, Simon Evans and skip Pat Currie. With Luke in scintillating form up front, the Tenby four were always in the ascendancy, running out comfortable 19-shot winners. Next up was Dai Spencer, Jon Webb, Craig Guymer and skip Paul Diment. Very close early on, but then disaster struck on the seventh and the ninth ends, when the Tenby lads dropped a five then a four, putting the Whitland rink back in the game. Paul and his men then rallied and a six on the 16th end gave the cushion for an eventual 11-shot victory. On rink three, Gerald Hewitt, Doug Silcox, John Roberts and Peter Day were locked in a titanic battle. On end 18, the Tenby four were in a seven- shot lead, but the Whitland lads had other ideas and picked up a four, a three and a one to nick the match by one-shot. A similar situation was developing on the final rink. Terry Howells, Joe Richards, Andrew Muskett and Phil Carpenter eased into a three-shot lead on the penultimate end, but once again the Whitland rink dug their heels in and picked up a match levelling three on the final end. At one point, it looked like Tenby would take maximum points, but a spirited fightback by Whitland on two rinks meant the match finished with Tenby taking 11 of the 14 points on offer. Once again, the Tenby team were upbeat, especially as the victory was carried out in the current champions back garden. Rink scores (Tenby first, Whitland skips only) were: Luke Guymer, John Baggott, Simon Evans, Pat Currie 27; S. Reese 8. Gerald Hewitt, Doug Silcox, John Roberts, Peter Day 18; M. Bishop 19. Dai Spencer, Jon Webb, Craig Guymer, Paul Diment 27; A. Whitehouse 16. Terry Howells, Joseph Richards, Andrew Muskett, Phil Carpenter 18; G. Thomas 18.

Monday Evening League for  Men

Glad to report that the popular Monday Evening League, sponsored by the Giltar Hotel,  commences on Monday next, May 19, at 6 pm sharp.  This randomly selected, two-wood triples, format is a real test of one's bowling skills, played in good company and is most enjoyable. If any member wishes to play, but cannot commit to every Monday evening, they can offer to be a reserve occasionally. Have a word with the organisers.   Tenby 155 Hawthorn BC 79

Last Sunday saw the Tenby club bowlers playing the first of their numerous friendly matches. Their opponents were the well-travelled Hawthorn Club from Glasgow, touring Wales on a hectic four- day excursion, and based at the Stradey Hotel, Llanelli. Being used to quality bowling greens, they were very impressed with Tenby's lawn.  It proved to be quite a noisy, good humoured game in all senses of the word - very friendly except for the final score. Their generous sponsorship of the bar, during and after the game, was much appreciated. Captain of the day, Tony Brown, thanked everyone for an excellent performance and John Roberts for stepping in to play for one of Tenby's members who had to retire. Tony presented the Scottish visitors with an apt and beautifully engraved and boxed whisky glass, while their captain, Rob McClean, reciprocated with a fine glass trophy to mark the occasion. He thanked the Tenby club for the wonderful reception afforded his team, and in particular Lynn Delabertouche and Doris Brown for standing in during an emergency.  Rink scores were (Tenby first, Hawthorn skips only): Ben Cloake, Harry Meades, Neil Hensman and David King Thomas 31; John McClean 7. Ray Hine, David Rees, Rob Wilkins and Doug Silcox 16; W. Dickson 18. Ben Simmons, Jock Best, Adam Hensman, Gwyn Beynon 22; E. Bruce 17. Jim Taylor, Jonathan Hubbard, Luke Rees, Tony Brown (captain) 34; R. McClean 13. Stuart Askew, Harry Ebdon, Graham Hill, John Moffat 23; C. Greig 15. Cyril Roberts, Brian Winstone, Ashley Hooper, Bert Barnikel 29; Bill Greig 9.   Captain Tony Brown and his team struck gold on the fourth end, picking up a full-house of eight shots, earning the rare 'Hot Shot' badge.   Welsh Trials 

This Sunday sees Pembroke County players John Roberts (Tenby) and Craig Jones (Haverfordwest) playing in the Welsh trials at Llandrindod Wells. John Baggott, county team manager, will be in attendance, urging on his players.   Bonus Ball winners

Wednesday - Mabel Whitaker; Saturday - lucky Kitty Bliss.   Whist results

Thursday, May 8: top score - Bill Whitaker (183); 1st lady -Mair Marquiss (167); 2nd lady - Phyllis Jones (166); 1st gent - Elsie Breadnam (165); 2nd gent - Gladys Irvine (158); first half winner - Mabel Whitaker (95); second half winner - Muriel Griffiths (86); longest sitter -Jean Salisbury (seven times); lowest score - Pauline Barnikel; raffles - Mair Marquiss and Phyllis Jones.   Monday, May 12: top score -Elsie Breadnam (182); 1st lady - Vera Burrows (170); 2nd  lady after cutting the deck of cards - Mabel Whitaker (170); 1st gent - Gladys Irvine (177); 2nd gent - Pauline Barnikel (175); first half winner - Jean Salisbury (89); second half winner - Muriel Griffiths (82); longest sitter - Bill Whitaker (four times); lowest score - Joyce Waters; raffles - Elsie Breadnam and Pauline Barnikel. Bowling Club whist drives are held twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm. New members and visitors are all very welcome.

Welsh Junior trials

Tenby's Issy White and Dana Rogers gave a good account of themselves at the Welsh Junior trials in Penarth on Sunday. Although on this occasion they did not make the team, at 15 and 17 years of age, respectively, they will have many more opportunities to come.

Patrons' Day

President of the Welsh Women's Bowling Association, Tenby's Julia King Thomas, was on official duty at the annual Patrons' Day at Llandrindod Wells on Monday. "There were nearly 130 ladies from all the Welsh clubs in attendance playing on all three greens," said Julia afterwards. "It was the perfect sort of day to be playing bowls and the friendliness and competitiveness were plain for all to see." After welcoming everyone onto the green, president Julia thanked the members of Llandrindod Wells BC for allowing their green and facilities to be used for the day, which has become one of the most prestigious and colourful events in the WWBA calendar. The game was followed by a meal at the Metropole Hotel, where Julia, during her speech, wished the senior international side success for their series in Ireland and the junior squad good luck in their series in Penarth. Julia went on to congratulate the five medalists from World Bowls in New Zealand, which she was privileged and proud to attend and cheer on the Welsh team. Julia presented the day's winning rink with gifts, before closing by wishing all present good luck in their competitions and games, be they friendly or international ones for 2008.

GOSCAR 17 PENDINE 14

Goscar played Pendine in the Meyrick Owen League last Wednesday night. Pendine sent a strong rink. However, Goscar played well and managed to hold on to a small lead. Ray Hine played lead, with Brian Winstone as second, both having good games. Cyril Roberts played third, with Harry Ebdon playing skip. Harry trailed the jack on the last end to give Goscar an exciting win against the Pendine four, skipped by R. Falloner.

NEYLAND BRUNEL 18 GOSCAR 19

The Meyrick Owen rinks visited Neyland on Sunday and were blessed with a lovely afternoon... but with very different fortunes. Goscar battled hard to achieve a win on the last end and showed bags of commitment, being behind until the end of the match. The rink comprised Dai Rees, Brian Winstone, Cyril Roberts and Ray Hine.

NEYLAND ST. CLEMENTS 34 ST. MARY'S 10

St. Mary's came upon a St. Clements team in form and on a difficult green could not get started. Although Arron Lloyd played well as lead, the rest of the rink could not find the land or weight, and after trying hard, went down to a defeat. The rink comprised Arron Lloyd, Ted Brutnell, Harry Meads and Neil Hensman.