That's your lot then folks, season 2003 has near drawn to a close, a couple of friendly games played last week, whose reports are enclosed, and the last wood has been delivered.

It's been a funny old season in some ways, especially in Division One of the County Men's Leagues. Some crazy results meant that the final winner was in the balance until the last game.

Congratulations to Tenby on retaining the County Shield yet again, although they tell me that Pat was not going to buy Mike Crockford a drink. Then he heard the result of the game against Saundersfoot!

It can only benefit the game in this county when teams like Five Arches, St. Issell's etc. can take valuable points from the 'big guns'.

Of course we also have something to celebrate at Saundersfoot, with our ladies team at long last winning the Ladies League in fine style; the St. Issell's ladies also did excellently, finishing in the top four of the table.

For too long the ladies of the club have had to sit in the shade while the men's teams took the honours. It is brilliant to see both ladies' teams heading the league. Well done to all the ladies in the club. And a hearty thank you also for all the teas they turned up to make to keep the men's teams going.

The Saundersfoot men's team had a funny old season again, and not a funny ha ha one either. Some games lost when it would have been easier perhaps to win them, while a couple of personnel changes at the start perhaps upset things for a while.

Too many points thrown away at crucial times probably cost them the title, but as they say, there is always next season.

The St. Issell's team once again showed that they are in their rightful place in Division One, with some cracking bowling, only two games without any points, and yes, you have it in one, they were against Saundersfoot.

The St. Brides team were so unlucky not to get to the final of the Brewers Cup, but captain Tony Shaw put together a fighting bunch this season and hopefully next season they can pick up a piece of silverware.

All the friendly games were well supported; thanks to all who played. I think the selectors for these games deserve a mention. Everyone had a fair crack of the whip. I know they spent many an hour trying to make sure that the balance was right, thanks a lot folks.

Club captain Steve Arris did his duties well, as we would expect from the 'club's gentleman', as I overheard one lady bowler describe him.

Once again, Chris Jenkins and Glyn Stephens worked their magic on the green. They plan some maintenance work round the green during the winter, so don't panic if you see a JCB turning up at the gates one day (I hope Chris was joking when he told me that).

Thanks must go to Gwynfor Davies who, although not in the best of health early on, organised in his usual inimitable style the fixtures; to Mike Gouldingay, who has the running of the club competitions and the Men's Open Week down to a fine art; to Gloria for the Ladies Open Week that always seems to go without any problems; and to the members for their support and willingness to play, sometimes at the last minute.

Enjoy your winter, whether indoors or just resting - remember it is only a matter of 27 weeks to the opening of the green.

As a postscript, thanks to all the junior members for their support this season. Hopefully we will see you again next season.

WHIST EVENINGS

The announcement that all our whister friends have been waiting for, the Monday nighters will be made more than welcome again starting on Monday, September 29, at the usual time of 7.30 prompt.

Once again it is hoped that all our gang will come along, but we would also welcome any new players whether experienced or not. This is a friendly night and everyone is very helpful. If you fancy a go, but are rather nervous, come along. You will get all the help going.

SAUNDERSFOOT 119

WOOTON-U-EDGE TOURERS 125

The weekend visitors played the first game of their three-game tour on a glorious sunny green, and they loved every minute of it. Although in places it looked a bit worse for wear, the visitors thought it a treat compared to what they are used to. It did not take them long to get the measure of the pace and it was no surprise when they won at the finish, albeit by a narrow six shots.

Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Wooton-U-Edge skips only):

J. Bingham, J. Waters, P. Bissell, L. Bissell 18; K. Faraday 24.

B. Tombs, J. Austin, A. Howells, J. Evans 22; D. Long 12.

G. Philipps, E. Shaw, D. Howells, M. Evans 38; R. Blacker 11.

L. Waters, T. Ellsbury, S. Arris, K. Kennion 15; R. Newhall 31.

E. Pendlebury, T. Shaw, M. Robb, M. Gouldingay 13; G. Elmes 15.

B. Davies, G. Davies, A. Williams, D. Robb 13; J. Cole 32.

SAUNDERSFOOT 100

AMMANFORD 120

For a number of years, the lads from Ammanford have come down to the club for a game of bowls and force down the odd drink or three; it is always a good natured game, and this was no exception.

Once again, Saundersfoot took the opportunity to give a game to their four junior boys, and again they responded in great form to help their rinks. Lee Cowper, in particular, loves playing in these games and in the five or so that he has played, his rink has won the kitty. If he keeps winning like this, they will be clamouring for him to play every game. Mathew Dick, Mathew Gray and James Criddle all accredited themselves well and will be a great asset to the club in the future.

Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Ammanford skips only):

J. Criddle, M. Gray, E. Gulliver, D. Roberts 20; M. Edwards 12.

L. Cowper, T. Shaw, D. Greaves, M. Gouldingay 22; M. Jones 12.

J. Bingham, B. Trott, S. Howe, S. Arris 18; K. Sullivan 26.

K. Rowlands, J. Johns, S. Dick, G. Philipps 11; H. Philipps 27.

C. Thomas, L. Waters, T. Ellsbury, D. Howells 12; H. Jeremiah 21.

M. Dick, J. Austin, R. Morgan, R. Pring 17; G. Jones 22.

LADIES'

CAPTAIN'S DAY

It was a glorious day for the ladies when they took over the green and enjoyed their fun and games during Captain's Day. Beryl Lawrence had decided that this year the ladies would raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Honoured guests were from the Saundersfoot branch - Eva Rich, chairlady, Sheila Griffin, Rita Salter, bowls club life members Joan Osborne and a lively looking Olive Stickings.

The ladies raised £150 on the day and added £100 courtesy of the Tubby bowlers.

Captain Beryl awarded the shield to Beryl L. Lewis and thanked her for her support and enthusiasm during the season. She also thanked Margaret and Vi for their usual catering excellence. She wished ladies' captain for next season, Kay Kennion, a fruitful year and congratulated the Saundersfoot ladies on winning the league, while thanking the St. Issell's Ladies for their support.