Last Saturday saw the green taken over by the Junior Academy, for the very first Junior Finals Day on the Tenby green. Although the weather was not as pleasant as previous days, it was thankfully dry, although with a nip in the air. A total of 16 of the club's juniors turned out looking smart in their greys and whites. The day started with boys singles and girls singles, playing through until the two finalists in each group were decided. For the boys, it was Joe Richards and Adam Hensman, and for the girls, Dana Rogers and Rachel Hensman. With some of the youngsters having taken up the game a matter of weeks prior, the standard was amazing, with in particular, Ben Cloak and Daniel Hawkey for the boys and Molly Spencer for the girls in scintillating form. A nice crowd of supporters gathered in the lounge upstairs, while the braver ones took to the benches round the green. Lunch was as usual served up free to those attending, with Margaret's famous pasties being quickly devoured, while the assorted buffet of sausages, eggs etc. and a helping of chips soon did a disappearing act. For the adults, a home-made chicken curry was the order of the day, and very welcome in the chilly conditions. I understand that a certain young junior bowler managed to use his charm to get a plateful of the curry, also. Mind you, he could charm the birds from the trees. The afternoon saw the boys and girls pairs played off to the final stages, with Dana Rogers and Ysabell White to play against Liz Goldwait and Molly Spencer, while in the boys, it was Joe Richards and Daniel Hawkey against Adam Hensman and Ben Cloak. Next up was the triples which saw the Joe Richards, Adam Rees and Liz Goldwait trio set to play against Brittney Francis, Molly Spencer and Ben Cloak. With success breeding success, as the say, young Joe Richards ended up playing non-stop all afternoon, reaching all three finals, and in the process playing some superb bowls, vindicating his selection for the county under 25 side. Likewise, there were some shining performances from Richard Tilt, definitely improving every time, and Luke Rees, a newcomer, but one with a great future in the game. The finals got under way, with Rachel Hensman defying the odds and playing a stunning game to beat Dana Rogers, while Joe Richards and Adam Hensman had a tighter game, Joe just edging out his opponent at the finish. The girls pairs saw the experience of Dana and Ysabell overcome the sheer enthusiasm and joy of Liz Goldwait and the enthralling Molly Spencer. In the boys, once again Joe Richards, ably assisted by newcomer Daniel Hawkey, proved just too good for the Adam Hensman and Ben Cloak pairing. The mixed triples is always a joy to watch, and this was no exception and doing the hat-trick, Joe Richards led his trio of Adam Rees and Liz Goldwait to victory over the enthusiastic Brittney Francis, Ben Cloak and Molly Spencer trio. The presentation in the club lounge afterwards saw the table groaning with trophies, as every player received a memento of the day and a certificate. The various winners and runners-up received their trophies to rapturous applause from parents and members alike. Club secretary Dai Spencer presented the awards and also gave Liz Goldwait the most improved player award, Molly Spencer the most promising newcomer award, while Luke Rees received a bowls carrier as runner-up. The endeavour award shield, presented by Mike and Margaret Gouldingay, was won by Cameron White, and a bowls bag was won by his sister Ysabell as the runner-up. Adam Hensman, on behalf of the juniors, led a vote of thanks to the coaching staff. The club coaches would like to put on record their appreciation and grateful thanks to the following for sponsorship of the finals day: Reg Thake, Peter Hooper, Audrey Owens, Jonathan Webb, Ruth and Matt Goldwait, Mike and Margaret Gouldingay, Margaret and Dave Robb; all the members who donated trophies to be recycled for the juniors; the club for its unstinting support; and those who came along to support the juniors. The day was an undoubted success, and already next year's is in the planning stages.
