CARRUTHERS SHIELD SEMI-FINAL

On a rain-filled day at Llandrindod Wells, Tenby's reign as Welsh Club champions came to a disappointing end in the semi-finals against Mid Glamorgan team, Ferndale.

The Tenby team were firm favourites to win this match, having seemingly done the hard work by despatching strong Afan Valley teams Pontrhydyfen and Glynncorrwg in previous rounds. Ferndale, however, did not read the script and enjoyed the role of underdogs and were out to spoil the party.

The game started well enough, with Phil Carpenter's rink taking a four on the first end, followed by a three on the sixth to lead 11-3. This usually strong rink would have normally surged ahead, but for some reason lost the next six ends, which included dropping a six and a three, to then trail at 12 ends by 18 shots to 12. Another dropped count of four on the 16th end and then the loss of the last three ends, accumulating in six further shots, saw the rink succumb to a 10-shot loss (28-18).

Paul Diment's rink also started well enough by taking a solid two on the first end, but they too lost the next five ends, although all single shots. A count of six on the eighth end saw a three-shot advantage to the Tenby four and then the game went nip and tuck for the next six ends, with the Sharks holding a slender one shot lead by the 14th (end).

A fortunate result for the Ferndale four saw them take a count of five on the 15th end, followed by a three on the 16th and all of a sudden the rink, as well as the team, were in big trouble as the counts dropped coincided with Phil's dropped count of four shots on his 16th end.

Twelve shots in a blink of an eye and this was the turning point in the match.

The Tenby four rallied and took three shots the next end and then won the next two to reduce the deficit to 19-17. The 20th end saw Paul trail the 'jack' for a count of five and with one bowl each to play, a mistake by the Ferndale skip would see Paul draw for six, which would have levelled the overall score of the match.

However, it was not to be, as the Ferndale skip had a huge slice of luck and reduced the count to only a single shot, with no chance for an additional shot to be added.

The final end and Tenby were once again holding shots, but the Ferndale skip played a brilliant bowl to draw shot and ultimately end the day for Tenby.

Craig Guymer played against the former Welsh international skip, Gareth 'Alfie' Hughes, and once again proved what a combination he has formed with his brother by performing to the highest standard once again.

The game was close throughout and resulted in a draw which was what was asked from them as they were playing against arguably Ferndale's biggest threat. The game was close throughout, with no counts being taken or dropped, 18-18 being the final score.

Pat Currie skipped against Martin Jones, a current Welsh Under 25 skip and, although had a bad start, rallied to win the game 26-20. John Roberts was superb for the rink once again. Unfortunately, I have not had the scorecard returned to me, so further details cannot be reported.

If positives are to be taken from this game, they were that at 16 ends across the board, Tenby were 21 shots adrift, but rallied to trail by only five by the 19th end. Victory could have been there, even though I do not believe Tenby deserved to win, and such a result would have been unfair on Ferndale, who were, on the day, the better team.

The final saw Ferndale lose heavily to Dinas Powis and our congratulations to them (Dinas Powis) on their success this season.

Such is the nature of knockout competitions that one slip is very costly, and particularly hurtful at the semi-final stage. However, the Tenby team did have some telling results at the right time last season against both Harlequins and Ely Valley in the semi-final and final, respectively, and unfortunately those moments were not with us in the semi-final against Ferndale, but we have to take the rough with the smooth and move on and come back even stronger.

This year, I believe the team has played under the most intense pressure every game and credit to my players for their application and attitude towards every game. Every side in Wales has been eager to be the first to beat the Welsh champions and, having experienced winning titles in the past, I feel I am qualified to remind players that it is far easier winning a title than defending one.

In conclusion, to reach a semi-final has been an excellent achievement, one of which we can be proud to have accomplished. It does show how far we have come as a club to be disappointed with winning the league and reaching (only) the semi-final of the Carruthers. The result against Ferndale has confirmed a few negatives that were not at the surface before and these can act as a catalyst for positive change in the future.

I would also like to take this opportunity of thanking our sponsors, Layton and Company Solicitors and Chandler Rogers Estate Agents, and in addition, the support of the club has been fantastic and I would like to publicly thank those members who travelled up to support us.

Rink scores were as follows:

B. Simmons, J. Webb, A. Muskett, P. Carpenter 18; Ferndale 28;

D. Spencer, J. Richards, P. Day, P. Diment 18; Ferndale 20.

L. Rees, M. Jackson, L. Guymer, C. Guymer 18; Ferndale 18.

N. Dickinson, J. Baggott, J. Roberts, P. Currie 26; Ferndale 20.

DIVISION ONE

Tenby 116

Milford Haven 58

After the disappointment of the previous week, Tenby entertained Milford Haven in a Pembrokeshire League Division One match, having already secured their third title success in as many years.

With seven changes being made, it gave opportunities for players to stake an early claim for places in the team next year.

Rink one saw John Roberts play against Milford Haven's Don Griffiths. John's rink won an incredible 16 out of 18 ends to lead 23-4, but then lost the last three and a total of nine shots to win by 23-13.

Peter Day played on his favourite rink two and I think it showed by the scoreline how much he liked it. Taking the first five ends without reply, Peter, with Jon Hubbard making his first Tenby start of the season, led 17-0. A dropped two on the sixth end did not break any rhythm and they took the next six ends to now extend their lead to 29-2.

Peter was thankful that his second was club treasurer Ashley Hooper who had no problems in adding up the ever-increasing score, to finally finish 40-14.

Peter was supported very well by the excellent Ashley Hooper, with Jonathan Webb, current club champion (tick tock), also playing superbly.

Luke Guymer skipped Tenby for the first time and will be a very likely candidate for the position full-time next season after his displays this year. The rink actually lost 12 ends out of the 21, but two counts of a four and a five whilst restricting their opponents to singles saw the Tenby rink run out 23-15 winners.

Craig Guymer's rink ran out comfortable winners against Roy Thomas, 30-16, and won the unofficial 'sweep'. Panic set in on the 20th end when they dropped six shots, but smiles appeared when they realised that John Roberts had dropped four shots (!)

Well done to the team which featured eight players under 25 years of age, which is a sign of how strong the club is in terms of strength in depth and bodes well for the future.

Rink scores were as follows:

B. Cloake, C. White, J. Richards, J. Roberts 23; Milford Haven 13.

J. Hubbard, A. Hooper, J. Webb, P. Day 40; Milford Haven 14.

N. Dickinson, A. Lloyd, P. Currie, L. Guymer 23; Milford Haven 15.

L. Rees, B. Simmons, M. Jackson, C. Guymer 30; Milford Haven 16.

GOSCAR 20

FISHGUARD STRUMBLE 15

Goscar welcomed Strumble to the Tenby green on Tuesday, August 24, for a Meyrick Owen match. The weather was sunny, with a strong breeze, and all looked fine for an exciting game of bowls.

This was the proverbial game of two halves. Strumble stormed off to an excellent start, piling up the shots, and at the break were leading by a healthy margin of 12-2.

Then came tea and all changed. Strumble started to falter and the Goscar rink started to find their form.

Goscar showed their strength of character and determination to pull the deficit back and take the lead to come out winners.

This sets up the last game of the season against Neyland at home on September 8. Whoever wins will become the league champions. Well done to all the team for keeping us in the chase for the title.

Team: T. Brutnell, B. Winstone, J. Taylor, skip H. Ebdon.

Whist results

Thursday, August 26: top score - Muriel Griffiths, 197; 1st lady - Phyllis Jones, 169; 2nd lady - Olive Frost, 168; 1st gent - Pauline Barnikel, 178; 2nd gent - Gladys Irvine, 176; first half winner - Ginnie Beeken, 85; second half winner - Mary Draper, 79; longest sitter, Margaret Hill, six sits; lowest score - Mary Renowden; raffles - Olive Frost and Jean Salisbury.

Monday, August 30: top score - Mary Renowden, 177; 1st lady - Ginnie Beeken, 176; 2nd lady - Olive Frost, 167; 1st gent - Vi Roberts, 172; 2nd gent - Margaret Hill, 169; first half winner - Gladys Irvine, 95; second half -Pauline Barnikel, 80; longest sitter - Phyllis Jones, seven sits; lowest score - Mary Draper; raffles - Elsie Breadnam and Jean Salisbury.

The whist drives continue until the end of September and then they will change to the ' off season' commencing in early October.