Determined Tenby win away in
El Classico
The Tenby Bowling Club team went to our nearest neighbours Saundersfoot on Saturday knowing how much importance was placed on a win. A loss would more than likely mean a failure to progress through to the knockout rounds of the Carruthers Shield, the ultimate goal of any side, and with Pat Currie and Dai Spencer missing, the boys knew the cause would be that much harder (writes J. W.).
In fact, in the opening five ends, Saundersfoot had a nine-shot advantage, the majority of that difference coming from Andrew Muskett's rink who by that early stage were trailing Steve Dick by 9-2. Although not bowling badly, it appeared that the Tenby side were missing the all-important rub of the green.
Matters got worse for Wigan's men, who were then 10-2 down and 14-7 down with 11 ends gone. However, the front end unit of Ben Simmons and Mike Jackson decided to make this a game of two halves. Fortified by squash and cakes, the two up front came alive and put the Saundersfoot front end to the sword and this inspired a comeback worthy of champions. In fact, by the 17th end, the Tenby rink were 19-14 up, scoring 12 unanswered shots over six ends, and seemed to be heading for a comfortable win.
However, to be fair to the Saundersfoot rink skipped by Steve Dick, they rallied hard and in the end the match finished with an honourable draw, 20-20, although it must not go unmentioned that Muskey had yards to draw in to make shot with the last bowl of the game - maybe his subconscious felt a draw was the fairer result.
This was certainly the case on rink five skipped by Paul Diment. His and Simon Evans' rink had a great tussle. Paul's rink got the better of the first half, leading 10-4 at tea. However, a role reversal of the Tenby side's fortunes on rink two saw Simon's rink come back to lead 18-17 going into the last end. However, holding one shot with a bowl to come, Paul Diment decided that, with the result of the game safe, he would undertake the sporting act and not bowl his last bowl, thereby ensuring a draw on that rink as well, a fair result for a good afternoon's battle between two of Pembrokeshire's most successful bowlers.
Paul on the day was ably supported by Neil Dickinson, Aaron Lloyd (who were both again on top form) and John 'Dennis Taylor' Baggott. Paul remarked that now John has new glasses, he may be able to play his forehand more often - I have my doubts.
It was, however, in the middle rinks that Tenby did most damage. Firstly, the Babies were on rink three, with Ashley Hooper stepping in to play second with the Twins and Luke Rees and thereby upping the average age considerably. All four played well, with Ashley contributing greatly. It's a pity he's decided to take on the role as Five Arches captain as he'd be one of the first names on the sheet in his current form. The Twins were once again spurred on by their parents and WAGs and again showed their quality. Time and time again they drew shots for fun, showing that finesse is also required as well as power in bowls nowadays.
A similar story was repeated on Peter Day's rink. The game was close until the 15th end when Tenby were just shading former (and by former we mean a very long time ago!) Welsh under 25 international Berwyn Dennis 14-11, but the rink went into overdrive, winning the remaining seven ends and scoring 19 shots in the process to run out deserving winners 33-11. Special mention must go to the front end boys of Cam White and Joe Richards, who both played very well.
The Tenby side is becoming very strong (again), especially up front, and team selection will be difficult over the coming months. With so many youngsters holding their own, all players will know that missing a match may mean losing your place, as the competition for places is that severe. Which in turn is a nice headache for the selectors to have so early in the season.
Tenby host Neyland in the last group match of the Carruthers this year knowing that a win will mean qualification to the knock-out stages. This will be the first home match of the season and the selectors know that the team selected will be anxious to put on a show to try and cement their places in the team as the league campaign starts the week after at Milford.
Finally, can I sum up by thanking the supporters who came down to shout us on, as always it's very much appreciated, and secondly we all at Tenby hope that Berwyn and Myrddin's father makes a speedy recovery.
Tenby 151
Panther Tourists 71
On Sunday, May 1, Tenby played host to Panther Tourists from Somerset who hired the green from 10 am to run a competition of their own. This consisted of two-wood triples, with club captain Mike putting on teas at 11 am, followed by Helen Baggott and Lynn Delabertouche providing a lovely buffet after they had finished.
Thanks to everyone who made the effort to play, especially the ladies. because there was a game in Pendine at the same time, plus the juniors, Ben and Luke.
Then it was time to play the match, but before it started, it was decided to play the other way. Much to the visitors' surprise, this was in Tenby's favour.
Captain Mike then welcomed captain Clayton and the Panther tourists to Tenby, wishing everyone all the best for the afternoon.
Tenby went on to win on all six rinks, but you wouldn't have thought that was the case judging by the noise and laughter all through the game - the atmosphere was fantastic from beginning to end.
Rink one saw D. Rees and P. Barnikel up front, with J. Taylor and K. Lloyd as skip at the back end. At 10 ends they were well in command, being eight shots in front. In the second half, they kept the pressure on and won by 13 shots.
Rink two saw G. Beeken and R. French up front, supported by A. Hooper and D. Spencer. This was a different story, with Tenby being three shots down at the halfway stage, but after a closely fought battle in the second half they went on to win by two.
Rink three saw B. Simmons and A. Owens up front, supported by V. Williams and D. King Thomas. This rink was a bit of a one-sided affair, with Tenby being 11 shots up at 10 ends and in the second half they kept up the pressure to win by 21.
Rink four saw H. Ebdon and S. Davies up front, supported by H. Baggott and R. Taylor. This was more or less the same as rink three, Tenby being 11 shots up at the halfway stage and going on to win by 23.
Rink five saw M. Skyrme and H. Meades up front, supported by L. Rees and M. Gouldingay. This game was a lot closer, with Tenby being three shots up at the interval and going on to win by six shots in the second half.
Rink six saw J. Rees and R. Hine up front, well supported by J. Hubbard and A. Redman. At the halfway stage Tenby were 18 shots up, but in the second half they failed to score for eight ends, but still went on to win by 13.
After the game, captain Mike congratulated captain Clayton on their centerary year and wished them all the very best. He then presented them with a glass with the Tenby coat of arms.
He also went on and presented the winner of the morning's competition with badges and pens and informed them that he had booked them in for 2012 and wished them a safe journey home.
Rink scores (Tenby first, Panthers skips only):
D. Rees, P. Barnikel, J. Taylor, K. Lloyd 25; P. Christopher 12.
G. Beeken, R. French, A. Hooper, D. Spencer 18; K. Masters 16.
B. Simmons, A. Owens, V. Williams, D. King Thomas 27; A. Loxton 6.
H. Ebdon, S. Davies, H. Baggott, R. Taylor 32; D. Alway 9.
M. Skyrme, H. Meades, L. Rees, M. Gouldingay 24; C. Williams 16.
J. Rees, R. Hine, J. Hubbard, A. Redman 25; S. Graves 12.
GOSCAR 26
ST. BRIDES, SaundersFOOT 14
Goscar, last year's winners of the Meyrick Owen Shield, began the new season with a visit to St. Brides, Saundersfoot.
On a breezy afternoon, the team set off at a cracking pace to try to retain the title.
At tea, Goscar were 20-3 up, with new player John Rees playing lead, finding the jack, and Ray Hine, playing second with his dodgy knee, keeping pace.
The front pair were making a good platform for third Jim Taylor and skip Harold Ebdon to consolidate the lead.
After tea, St. Brides came back, winning a number of ends, but Goscar regained their form and finished strongly to record a good win.
Both teams enjoyed the game and ended up with a friendly drink in the bar.
SAUNDERFOOT 55
TENBY ARCHES 33
The ladies team (sponsored by The Fourcroft Hotel) travelled away for their second game of the season.
Rink three saw the ladies down 17-5 at tea-time. It continued to be an uphill struggle in the second half and they finished 28-12 down.
On rink four, the ladies were only three shots adrift at tea, but by the 19th end, they were 27-11 down. They then managed to score on the last two ends to pick up a three and seven to finish six shots behind.
Rink scores (Tenby team first, Saunderfoot skips only):
M. Skyrme, L. Evans, R. Silcox, J. King-Thomas 12; M. Evans 28.
L. Delabertouche, A. Owens, H. Baggott, A. Redman 21; L. Bissell 27.
Five Arches 76
St. Issell's 68
After the previous weekend's disappointing performance, the Five Arches were looking to bounce back against the St. Issell's team from Saundersfoot.
The Five Arches were hoping to emulate Tenby in beating their local rivals. The blazing sunshine of April has now been replaced with the unpredictability of May, so the match started in a cold, steady rain, punctuated by 'thundery showers' and finished in bright sunshine.
Once again in front of the raucous crowd, Ashley with Cameron, Tony and Gwyn had a grand old tussle against ex-Five Arches stalwart John Moffat. With Cameron peppering the jack on almost every end, the Five Arches quartet built up a healthy 18 shots to 12 lead with three ends to play.
However, the St. Issell's boys are made of stern stuff and fought back well to clinch the game on the final end.
On the neighbouring rink, Lee, ably supported by Luke, John and Ken, was involved in tight, tactical battle. After nine ends, the score was 6-3 to the St. Issell's team, but a run of 11 shots in five ends allowed St. Issell's captain Roy and his team to build a commanding lead of 17 shots to six. Lee and his team fought back and a vitally important four on the last end reduced the deficit to only seven.
On the first of the outside rinks, Ray with Steve, Clive and John Rees making his Five Arches debut had a well-earned comfortable victory. Never behind in the match, they won 13 of the 21 ends to ease to a 23 shots to 11 success.
Tony, backed up by Ben, Mike and Gerald, also had a fine game. Like Ray's rink, they were never behind and controlled the game throughout to run out winners by six shots.
A good performance from the team to get back to winning ways. We have a tough match ahead of us on Sunday against the Borderers at Whitland, but the captain has high hopes of continued success.
Rink scores (Five Arches first, St. Issell's skips only):
Cameron White, Tony Powling, Gwyn Beynon, Ashley Hooper 18; John Moffat 21.
Luke Rees, John Hubbard, Ken Lloyd, Lee Richards 13; Roy Pring 20.
John Rees, Steve Davies, Clive Webb, Ray Taylor 23; Stu Howe 11.
Ben Simmons, Mike Gouldingay, Gerald Hewitt, Tony Brown 22; Brian Deeley 16.