DIVISION ONE

SAUNDERSFOOT 89 HAVERFORDWEST CASTLE 57

Going into this match, Saundersfoot knew that by the end they could be county champions (writes Red Devil). Maximum points against the bottom team and any slip-up by Pembroke Dock at Tenby would see them lift the title. On rink two, with Davey Poole coming back in to skip, the 'Foot boys got down to business, and with Freddie Flinstone, Macky and J. B. all giving good support they ran out easy winners 25-10. On rink three, the two Brians and the 'Old Fella' were playing some great bowls and the win was easier than the final score suggests. With Genius also pulling out some great final woods, 21-18 was the outcome. On rink four, P. D. joined up with Carpey again. With able support from John the Tooth and Farmer, the boys were never troubled and won the match with a 24-11 scoreline, making sure the 'Foot had six points for overall score. Rink five saw the welcome return of Brainy to the green. It proved a real struggle for the 'Foot boys, who were well down at tea, but pulled their socks up and with some class bowls, finally won 19-18, wrapping up the 14 points. News filtered through from Tenby that they had beaten Pembroke Dock, so the 'Foot boys could celebrate winning the championship with three games still remaining. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Castle skips only) were: G. Spillar, M. Brace, J. Baggott, Dave Poole 25; M. Richards 10. J. Evans, G. Hughes, P. Diment, P. Carpenter 24; A. John 11. B. Deeley, B. Jones, Don Poole, M. Bishop 21; D. Phillips 18. A. Brain, T. Cummings, S. Poole, J. Roberts 19; J. M. Jones 18.

SAUNDERSFOOT 85 WHITLAND 56

With five changes made for the visit of Whitland on Sunday, this was going to be another hard game for the boys (writes Red Devil). As the results show, however, we picked up another 14 points, so well done to everybody who played in the three games last weekend. On rink two, with John the Tooth moving up to third, it was nip and tuck all the way. With the 'Foot leading 13-12 at 16 ends, the boys picked up five shots in the last five ends and ran out winners 18-13. On rink three, this was the win the 'Foot needed. With all the boys bowling really well, J. R. and his crew ran out winners 27-13, picking up a five on the last end. On rink four, with about the best rink this season playing another great game of bowls, the two Brians, the 'Old Fella' and Mal had a comfortable win by 20-11. Rink five finished up a very close match. At 15 ends the 'Foot were leading 18-7, only for Whitland to claw their way back and nearly win the match, but they just failed with the final score being 20-19 to the home team. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Whitland skips only) were: G. Hughes, T. Cummings, J. Evans, P. Carpenter 18; G. Thomas 13. G. Spillar, Gar. Hughes, J. Baggott, J. Roberts 27; S. Reese 13. B. Deeley, B. Jones, D. Poole, M. Bishop 20; C. Court 11. R. Brabon, B. Lee, A. Brain, S. Poole 20; P. Wills 19.

CASTLE 69 (2 pts.) ST. ISSELL'S (12)

Having had a rest from league games for a week or so, St. Issell's were certainly not relishing the trip to Haverfordwest to take on the struggling Castle in an evening match. Without a couple of regulars, including team captain John Dugmore, the Saints fought hard for every head, eventually winning on three of the rinks, two of them by just the one shot. A really exciting game, with St. Issell's captain for the night, Mike Gouldingay, in top form parading up and down the rinks encouraging the lads, and it worked. This win meant that any worries of slipping back to the Second Division were cleared. Rink scores (St. Issell's first, Castle skips only): D. Stokes, B. Llewellyn, P. Bissell, J. Jenkins 20; J. Lewis 22. M. Dick, R. Morgan, G. Cavell, D. Newton 21; R. Price 20. R. Kennion, K. Rowlands, S. Dick, D. Robb 19; D. Philip 13. N. Ruff, D. Greaves, A. Brace, J. Moffat 15; E. Hughes 14.

WHITLAND 78 (3 pts.) ST. ISSELL'S 82 (11)

Another night, another venue and thankfully another win. Following on their success the previous night against Castle, the Saints were on a high, knowing that they were safe for another season in the top flight, but hopeful of picking up the odd point to boost the total. Early indications were that with a bit of effort they could cause a shock and once again with 'hopalong' Gouldingay leading the cheerleaders, the lads buckled down and did the business by winning on two rinks and drawing on another, picking up 11 points and soaring up the table again. A cracking performance in their penultimate game of the outdoor season, with just Five Arches to play next week, the St. Issell's lads have something to shout about. Their clubmates Saundersfoot have clinched the title as have the ladies of the club. St. Issell's, St. Brides and St. Issell's Ladies have all shown the depth of talent in the club ensuring its success for years to come. Rink scores (St. Issell's first, Whitland skips only): D. Stokes, P. Bissell, D. Newton, J. Jenkins 18; C. Court 15. R. Kennion, K. Rowland, S. Dick, D. Robb 18; S. Reese 18. G. Cavell, R. Morgan, G. Thornton, J. Dugmore 18; G. Thomas 26. N. Ruff, D. Greaves, A. Brace, J. Moffat 28; P. Wills 19.

DiMENT CUP

SAUNDERFOOT 82 FISHGUARD 57

On Friday, Saundersfoot made the long journey to Fishguard to play their quarter-final tie in the Diment Cup (writes Red Devil). It was a glorious evening, but with all the rain we've had, the green was bowling very heavy and the match was reduced to 18 ends. On rink two, with Fred Flintstone bowling well at lead and good support from Lovely Boy, M. B. and John Baggott, they ran out winners 22-13. On rink two, with John the Tooth moving up to third, they got off to a good start, being 12-5 up at eight ends, but Fishguard clawed their way back and it was 14-12 at 13 ends. But the 'Foot boys stuck to their task well and eventually ran out winners by 18-15. On rink four, the two Brians, Donny and Genius gave the 'Foot the other big win captain Macky was looking for. With all the boys bowling well, they came home winners by 26-11. Rink five saw Fishguard's only success. With all the boys bowling well, they were 16-9 up at 14 ends, but Stevie and his crew clawed their way back and got to within two shots at the end, losing 18-16. So the 'Foot move on to Pendine to play Neyland on August 27, 5.30 - 5.45 pm start, for a place in the final. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Fishguard skips only) were: G. Spillar, Gar. Hughes, Macky Brace, J. Baggott 22; R. Thomas 13. R. Brabon, T. Cummings, J. Evans, J. Roberts 18; J. Sinnett 15. B. Deeley, B. Jones, Don Poole, M. Bishop 26; K. Grace 11. G. Hughes, B. Lee, M. Dennis, S. Poole 16; J. White 18.

WINNING SMILES

The smile on Paul Diment's face could not have been much wider after his outstanding success over the past fortnight, winning both Saundersfoot's open singles competition and then topping it all by winning the prestigious Tenby Gold Cup. The only smile wider was that of Paul's better half when he handed over the winner's cheques. Well, perhaps she let him keep some of the money. Paul's winning feats in both competitions was really outstanding, and isn't it nice to see the trophies staying in the county with local winners. Well done Paul, now you have to go back next year and do it all again.

SAUNDERSFOOT 24 PRIORY 15

If the low score surprises you, don't be fooled. Actually, what happened was the heavens opened up big time. The ladies got soaked and as Saundersfoot were well ahead, having already clinched the title and with Priory having nothing to gain, the visitors agreed to concede and head into the pavilion for a warm cup of tea which, in the circumstances, was a wise move. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Priory skips only): V. Edwards, E. Shaw, K. Kennion, L. Bissell 18; G. Chugg 4. J. Lee, A. Davies, M. Cummings, M. Evans 6; P. Smith 11.

SAUNDERSFOOT 70 MILFORD 223/4

Another day and this time the weather stayed fine, allowing the game to be played on a fast surface, which obviously suited the home girls to a tee. Certainly, Marion Evans and her rink of Mary Cummings, Ann Davies and Joan Lee were on a roll. They picked up two counts of six, a five and three four on their way to a staggering 34-shot win. Next door, Lorna Bissell with Kay Kennion, Elaine Shaw and Viv Edwards were doing their best to keep up with them. They only managed counts of six, five and four in their game, still managing to win by 14 shots, although, unfortunately, the Milford girls were one short in their rink, losing a quarter of their score. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Milford skips only): V. Edwards, E. Shaw, K. Kennion, L. Bissell 28; J. Navas 143/4. J. Lee, A. Davies, M. Cummings, M. Evans 42; H. L. John 8.

DIVISION TWO

BORDERERS 66 (2 pts.) ST. BRIDES 88 (12)

Neither team has any aspirations of winning the league, which gave them the chance to enjoy each other's company and play some bowls without the pressure of worrying about picking up points for survival. Unfortunately, Borderers were a man short on one of their rinks, but they still managed to field a good sprinkling of youngsters. St. Brides had young Mathew Dick playing at third. You could tell Matt was pleased to get the chance. He had been wearing a smile from ear to ear ever since the team was announced, and I hear tell he did a good job into the bargain. With only the one rink losing, St. Brides have bettered their points tally over previous years. Maybe next year they can challenge for the title. Rink scores (St. Brides first, Borderers skips only): P. Gilder, G. Davies, M. Dick, T.Shaw 18; J. Hammond 24. J. Bingham, J. Austin, T. Osborne, S. Arris 22; P. Wynn 10. G. Vigus, E. Gulliver, K. Rowland, L. Davies 25; M. Williams 14. P. Lewis, M. Carr, B. Llewellyn, R. Pring 23; E. George 18.

NARROW BIAS