The long awaited first league game of the new season took place last Wednesday, and it was the ladies of the club who had the honour of starting things off. Similar to last season, the first fixture saw Saundersfoot Ladies meet with their club mates St. Issell's. The weather had relented to give a nice sunny day, although to be fair, nobody could argue at the ladies wearing their fleecy jackets; it was slightly nippy in the nether regions.

The first rink saw Marion Evans, with Mary Cummings, Ann Davies and Kay Kennion making up her rink, against Ann Lewis, Margaret Robb, Alma Howells and Mary Cavell at lead. On paper this looked like being a real humdinger of a game, but as the scoreline will suggest, the St. Issell's Ladies were in top form and no matter what Marion and her girls tried, things ran the way of their opposite numbers.

Next door, the rink of Thelma Mearns, Lorna Bissell, Pearl Richards and Viv Edwards found themselves up against Gloria Dugmore, Beryl Lewis, Vi Austin and Lyn Statters. This one ran more to the paper expectations, with the early skirmishes seeing the Saundersfoot girls storm away, only for Gloria to rally her troops in the second-half to make it all counting on the very last end.

The home girls were one up, but lying two down on the end. Thelma managed to cut one of them out, while Gloria, deciding that caution was the best bet, did not try too hard with her last wood, only to find that on the measure the shot actually went to Saundersfoot.

The final score was Saundersfoot Ladies 26 St. Issell's Ladies 53, with the rink scores being as follows:

V. Edwards, P. Richards, L. Bissell, T. Mearns 18; L. Statters, V. Austin, B. Lewis, G. Dugmore 16.

K. Kennion, A. Davies, M. Cummings, M. Evans 8; M. Cavell, A. Howells, M. Robb, A. Lewis 37.

SAUNDERSFOOT LADIES v CWMAVON LADIES

The honour of hosting the first friendly of the season also fell to the ladies, with ladies captain Beryl Lewis welcoming the ladies of Cwmavon with five rinks. After complaining of slight cases of sunburn after the previous Wednesday's league game, there were certainly no similar complaints during this game, more a case of, anyone got a spare pair of long johns?

A biting wind spoiled things as far as enjoying being out on the green, but the atmosphere soon warmed up, as the ladies got to chatting about the 'things ladies chat about'.

Marion Evans on rink one had Anne Davies, Diane Rigden and Lyn Statters as her back up, and after struggling at the beginning, just could not get the vital shots to close the gap.

Margaret Robb, with Norah Crocker, Vi Austin and Kath Blayney as her crew, stormed into an early lead, but a great fight back saw the visitors draw closer. A swift talking to, howeverm soon had the home team back in front and holding on to win by six shots.

Mary Cummings, Mary Cavell, Yvonne Price and Ann Evans were another rink who were made to fight all the way for their win.

Viv Edwards had Pearl Richards in the unusual position of third, while Pat Jones and Kay Kennion filled the other positions. Like the other rinks, their win was well earned against a fighting visiting team.

Ladies captain Beryl Lewis had J. Simpson, Irene Sampson and Mary Wilkins in her crew, and managed to lead by example, winning at the finish quite comfortably.

In her remarks, Beryl voiced her thanks to the three ladies from Pendine who had stepped in at the last moment to fill in the rinks. Once again, an enjoyable, although chilly, day's bowling was enjoyed by all

Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, visiting skips only):

L. Statters, D. Rigden, A. Davies, M. Evans 10; D. Samuel 16.

K. Blayney, V. Austin, N. Crocker, M. Robb 24; B. Ouse 18.

A. Evans, Y. Price, M. Cavell, M. Cummings 18; V. Cockwood 17.

K. Kennion, P. Jones, P. Richards, V. Edwards 19; E. Mathers 11.

M. Wilkins, I. Sampson, J. Simpson, B. Lewis 25; P. Browning 11.

Final score: Saundersfoot Ladies 96 Cwmavon Ladies 77.

BREWERS CUP

ST. ISSELL'S 103

ST. BRIDES 50

A little piece of history was made at Saundersfoot last Saturday as two club teams met in this Second Division Brewers Cup match. This is the first time that the club has managed to put out three teams competing in the Pembrokeshire Bowls League.

Just to add spice to the proceedings, St. Brides were also parading another piece of club history by including not only the oldest player in the club, the evergreen Berty Berry, but also the youngest player, Ceri Phillips.

Although there was a bitter cold wind blowing, and the green was slightly tricky to say the least, the atmosphere was brilliant. A fair dose of sarcastic comments were being passed back and forth amongst the various club members, although it must be stressed all in the best of spirits. If all games were played like this, they would be queuing up to play the game.

St. Brides captain John Lawrence ably abetted by his right hand man Gwynfor Davies had tried their best to get their players into believing in themselves, and whatever they fed them on, it worked.

Just ask John Dugmore, who found himself five-nil down after the first two ends. But the old man did not panic, he slipped a few words of wisdom into the various ears, and sat back to watch his rink settle down.

Dave Robb with Roy Kennion, John Austin and Brian Deeley found themselves up against the old sage Gwynfor Davies, who had on board David Williams at third, John Ingham and Tom James. The opening 10 ends up until tea were, if anything, in favour of St. Brides, who were playing some clever bowls, in particular Dave Williams, who could have walked on water.

John Moffat was up against Brian Pritchard, and apart from a slight hitch in the third found life easy.

As mentioned before, John Dugmore and his gang found things a wee bit difficult to start with, but settled down in the last seven ends to win comfortably.

Top dog on the day was Alan Brace and his crew who, up against St. Brides captain John Lawrence, settled into their rhythm early on and never looked like losing. Alan had the honour of picking up the first kitty of the season.

The result aside, both teams enjoyed the experience (well more or less, depending on your outlook).

Rink scores (St. Issell's first) were as follows:

B. Deeley, J. Austin, R. Kennion, D. Robb 22; T. James, J. Bingham, D. Williams, G. Davies 15.

D. Newton, D. Stokes, G. Cavell, J. Moffat 27; G. Phillips, P. Sampson, B. Duckworth, B. Pritchard 10.

P. Gray, D. Howells, M. Gouldingay, J. Dugmore 22; P. Lewis, C. Phillips, J. Cleaver, J. Davies 14.

J. Shields, S. Arris, H. Jones, A. Brace 32; L. Allen, B. Berry, D. Pope, J. Lawrence 11.

At the end of the game, as both teams enjoyed a lemonade in the bar, it was unanimously agreed that the 'man of the match' was a close run thing between Peter Lewis and David Williams, both of St. Brides.

STOP PRESS

Mike Gouldingay has asked me to remind all members that the closing date for entering the club competitions is this Sunday, May 6. The sheets will be removed from the board on that day, and then the draw made, so it is up to you folks. If you have not bothered to enter as yet, you now only have two days to rectify matters. No matter what, Mike will not accept any late entries (not even the sound of crinkly banknotes), but there again, seriously folks, get your name down now. It helps to brighten up the summer and add spice to the season when you are in the competitions.

MANAGEMENT

MEETING

There is a management meeting this Sunday in the pavilion, starting at the normal time of 6 pm.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Tomorrow (Saturday): Saundersfoot v Milford Haven (Carruthers Cup), away; St. Issell's Ladies v Ladybirds (away); St. Issell's v Pembroke Dock A (Division Two).

Tuesday, May 8: St. Brides v Goscar (Brewers Cup) at Tenby.

Wednesday, May 9: Saundersfoot v Milford Haven (Division One), away.

Thursday, May 10: St. Brides v St. Kaths (Division Two League), home.

The weekly triples run by Joyce will also be starting up on Tuesday, May 8. Those intending to take part are reminded that you should be at the pavilion for 2 pm, to make sure you get a game. Games will start at 2.15 pm. Dress for the Tuesday Triples will be as in past years - grey bottoms and white tops.

WELCOME BACK

It was great to see old friend Ken Maidment back in the pavilion last Saturday. He was looking great and was nearly bowled over in the rush between Dave Robb and Gwynfor Davies asking him to play for their team this season.

It is still a bit tentative yet though, so all eyes will be watching to see if Ken appears back on the grass. Anyone know the going rate for back-handers? I am sure St. Issell's could manage at least 5p to secure your services Ken?

Seriously, it is great to see Ken back and looking so well. Hopefully he will soon be back showing us those silky skills on the green.

NARROW BIAS