The next time someone says to you that bowls is an old man's game, tell them to take a trip down to the Saundersfoot green when their juniors are playing - they will soon change their minds.

Last Wednesday was the annual Junior Finals Day, when 18 youngsters turned up, along with parents, brothers, uncles aunts and grandparents, and I tell you that, from 10 am until 4.30 pm, those that were there were given a treat of marvellous bowls, brilliant rink etiquette, oh, and some great laughs into the bargain.

This was what junior sections are all about, sheer enjoyment of playing the game. OK, obviously those that played wanted to win, but even if they didn't, they still had a laugh and encouraged the newer members to go and do well.

The senior members, such as Mathew Dick and James Criddle, although losing their singles matches, were laughing as they came off, knowing that on the day, they had been beaten by the better player. In the pairs and triples, they all mucked in, encouraging and helping the newer ones to go that bit better.

A marvellous day, made more so by the enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of the juniors. Special mention has to be made of young Liz Goldwait, who only took up the game two days before, and then found herself on the winners rostrum as a triples winner with Katy Waters and James Criddle.

The majority of the juniors came from this year's schools coaching programme, and how good they are is reflected in the fact that the runner-up in the singles was Chelsea Harris, who was in that programme.

Winner of the pairs with Dana Rogers was Lily Whitehouse and runner-up in the triples and player of the day was Rachel Hensman, all three coming from the school. The future of Saundersfoot club will be safe if these juniors stay the distance. The winners were presented with their awards by Welsh international and Saundersfoot lady member, Ann Lewis, who told the youngsters how thrilled she was to be there and how impressed she was with their skills.

Girls singles: winner - Dana Rogers; runner-up - Chelsea Harris. Boys singles: winner - Sam Anderson; runner-up - Joe Dennis. Girls pairs: winners - Dana Rogers and Lily Whitehouse; runners-up - Chelsea Harris and Rachel Hensman. Boys pairs: winners - Sam Anderson and Joseph Criddle; runners-up - James Criddleand Adam Hensman. Mixed triples: winners - James Criddle, Katy Waters and Liz Goldwait; runners-up - Sam Anderson, Rachel Hensman and Bethan Gosnold. Player of the day - Rachel Hensman; special mention -Jamie Holt; clubman of the year - Gemma Amos; endeavour award - Joe Dennis, most improved - Sam Anderson.

Junior co-ordinator Dave Robb thanked the ladies for once again providing the food; Margaret and Vi for not only cooking the food, but donating it to the juniors free of charge; Mike Gouldingay for giving his time to once again run the competition impeccably; Brian Deeley for running the bar; the adults who gave their time to act as markers; but mainly the children who made the day an outstanding success, yet again.

SAUNDERFOOT LADIES 34 NEYLAND 40

This was a bit of a blip on the winning run for the ladies, but on the day a couple of points were welcome, when it could so easily have been none at all.

Having had a rest for a couple of weeks, it will take the girls a couple of days to get back on song. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Neyland skips only): E. Pendlebury, E. Shaw, K. Kennion, L. Bissell 21; M. Sanders 14. J. Lee, A. Davies, V. Edwards, M. Evans 13; J. Sutton 26.

SAUNDERSFOOT LADIES 43 FIVE ARCHES 24

This was the game that saw Saundersfoot get back into their stride. The previous game saw them drop a couple of points, but the fighting spirit came to the fore as they tore into local rivals, Five Arches. Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, Five Arches skips only): A. Davies, E. Shaw, K. Kennion, L. Bissell 16; A. Redman 13. J. Lee, A. Hughes, V. Edwards, M. Evans 27; C. Morgan 11.

ST. ISSELL'S 62 (1pt) SAUNDERSFOOT 105 (11)

This battle of the clubmates was certainly one for the folks that like a lot of noise. When Saundersfoot hit the green running, look out.

Looking for maximum points to give their late run for the league title a boost, Saundersfoot were up and at them from the start.

St. Issell's, meanwhile, are still looking for the odd point here and there to ensure their staying in the first division next season, so no quarter was asked nor any given.

As it turned out, the 'Foot boys were just too strong for the Saints, although on a couple of rinks it was pretty close. John Moffat's rink got to just three behind with two to play and then lost a four and single. Meanwhile, the Steve Poole and Dave Robb rinks were having a battle royal, with both going in front, then the other.

Along with John Moffat, they played the last two ends more or less in pitch darkness. The Saints lads did not care when they picked up a two to get the one point.

Rink scores (St. Issell's first): D. Stokes, L. Davies, D. Newton, B. Lee 10; J. Criddle, Gar. Hughes, P. Blayney, D. V. Poole 32. S. Anderson, J. Austin, J. Jenkins, D. Robb 21; G. Spillar, P. Criddle, Don Poole, S. Poole 21. N. Ruff, D. Greaves, A. Brace, J. Moffat 16; Gr. Hughes, S. Dick. J. Roberts, P. Carpenter 24. G. Cavell, R. Kennion, M. Gouldingay, J. Dugmore 15; M. Dick, B. Jones, M. Brace, J. Baggott 28.

ST. ISSELL'S 72 (10 pts) PENDINE 71 (4)

This was the game that could make the whole season an enjoyable experience or one that would give you heartache for the whole of the winter months. Probably the Saints players were that bit over-confident. Who knows? Suffice to say that instead of cruising to a comfortable win on their own green, it all came down to the very last wood of the game.

John Dugmore's rink made the big difference, coasting home by 14 shots. They could have made life a lot easier, had they not dropped a five count on the very last end, which made the score even across the board.

Now the bit they don't want to hear. Dave Robb had the last wood, with the jack in the ditch and one down. With a yard in which to draw shot and everyone on the edge of their seats (getting excited yet?), he drew to the ditch and his rink took the one shot to give the Saints a narrow win and 10 points. The betting was that the headlines would read, 'Robb wins the game for Saints', but we don't go in for all that stuff. The team won and are 90 per cent sure of being in the first division next season, that is what it is all about.

Rink scores (St. Issell's first, Pendine skips only): N. Ruff, D. Greaves, A. Brace, J. Moffatt 11; S. King Thomas 24. G. Cavell, R. Kennion, M. Gouldingay, J. Dugmore 28; J. Griffiths 14. D. Stokes, P. Bissell, L. Davies, D. Newton 10; M. Thomas 18. S. Anderson, J. Austin, J. Jenkins, D. Robb 23; M. Evans 15.

NEYLAND 89 (14 pts) ST. ISSELL'S 63 (0)

After their narrow escape the day before, the Saints were not looking forward to playing at Neyland on their notorious green. Just as well that safety was secured against Pendine, because there was no way they would get anything from this game. Thankfully it was played in a great spirit with plenty of banter, and at the finish the home team took the honours. Rink scores (St. Issell's first, Neyland skips only): S. Anderson, J. Austin, J. Jenkins, D. Robb 13; A. King 20. N. Ruff, D. Greaves, A. Brace, J. Moffat 19; A. Bruce 26. D. Stokes, P. Bissell, D. Newton, B. Lee 17; G. Robson 24. G. Cavell, R. Kennion, M. Gouldingay, J. Dugmore 14; B. Barrett 19. SAUNDERSFOOT 83 (11pts) HAVERFORDWEST 60 (3)

After their victory over Pembroke Dock the previous weekend, Saundersfoot travelled to Haverfordwest to play a midweek league match, which was the start of six games in just 12 days (writes Red Devil). It was a beautiful evening and on rink three, Stevie Poole and the boys were up against the 'Doc'. With some superb woods all evening from Geoff and PB, ably supported by Donny, they romped to a 30-14 win.

On rink four, with Welsh international JR at lead, the rink were never in trouble, winning 15 of the 21 ends. Steve Dick, Popeye and Carpy all bowled well and they ran out winners by 25-11.

On rink five, Paul and the boys had a cracking game against Craig Jones. With Matthew, BJ and JB going well, it went down to the wire and they drew 18-18. On rink six, this was a humdinger of a game, with Farmer and Pretty Boy up front, supported well by Macky and Dave Poole. The score stood at 12-10 to Harfat after 19 ends, but Davey went for the win. He was unlucky, however, and finally went down by 15-10, but the 'Foot picked up 11 precious points.

ST. ISSELL'S 62 (1pt) SAUNDERSFOOT 105 (13)

On a lovely Friday night, the Derby game took place between the two Saundersfoot sides (writes Red Devil). The 'Foot were looking for as many points as possible, but captain Macky knew it would be hard. On rink two, young James and Farmer were playing up front, with Paul Blayney and Davey Poole at the back, and with some very good bowling by all four, they ran out winners 32-10. After 11 ends, however, it only stood at 10-7 with the 'Foot picking up 22 shots in the last 10 ends.

On rink three, the in-form Dave Robb was taking on Stevie Poole and Uncle Donny, PC and Geoff S. It was a cracking game and at 14 ends the 'Foot looked like picking up the two points as they were leading 18-10, but Dave and his boys rolled up their sleeves and won six of the last seven ends by 11 shots to three and the score finished 21-21.

On rink four, Carpy, JR, Stevie Dick and Farmer were up against 'Driver' John Moffat and his gang, but with a couple of dead ends in the game, the 'Foot boys were never in trouble and won comfortably 24-16, with all four boys playing well.

On rink five, after the late withdrawal of Paul Diment due to a football knock the night before (he should learn by now he's too old for it), John Baggott stepped in at skip, with captain Macky, Brian J and young Matthew, to take on wily old campaigner John Dugmore and his rink. But with some really good bowling by Matt and BJ, Macky and John had an easy night and were never in trouble, winning the match 28-15 and giving the 'Foot 13 points.

SAUNDERSFOOT 83 (12pts) WHITLAND 72 (2)

After beating title rivals Pembroke Dock and Harfat and St. Issell's, this was the big one so far, because a Whitland win could put the 'Foot out of the league title chase (writes Red Devil). And with Whitland still in the hunt, it was all set to be a real cracker.

On rink two, JR went to skip, as Paul was still limping badly, but he bravely played at two with Carpy. Young Matthew, BJ and the grey fox John Baggott helped JR in what was a great fight. At 16 ends it was 12-12 and then on the 20th end Whitland led 17-14, but with some great bowling from the four boys, the 'Foot picked up a four to win the game 18-17.

Rink three this was a disaster for the 'Foot. Geoff, Paul, Donny and Steve had a torrid time against Colin Wynn, only winning on eight ends, and eventually lost quite heavily, 23-11.

Rink four saw the result that could clinch the title in the end. The rink of Stevie Dick, Paul D, Popeye and Carpy were never in trouble, and it was giving the rest of the side a lift all afternoon. It was the first time that noisy Chris Court was left very quiet! The boys bowled some great woods and with the opposition only winning on six ends, the 'Foot boys ran out victors by a margin of 32-13.

On rink five, with Farmer teaming up with his son Pretty Boy again and Macky and Dave Poole, this went down to the wire. At 18 ends the score stood at 18-18, but with some consistent bowling from all four players, the 'Foot held their nerve and won 22-19 and gained two valuable points.

By picking up 12 points in this match, the 'Foot are now just 10 points behind Tenby with a game in hand. So it looks like the league could go right down to the wire.

SAUNDERSFOOT BC 49 CAPTAIN'S TABLE 26

On a lovely Sunday morning, the Bowling Club entertained the locals of the Captain's Table in a 15 ends match.

There was a disappointing turnout by the BC and only three rinks were played.

On rink four, the two maids, Diana and Marion, were well supported by Mike and A. J. as skip. They proved too strong for the table four, led well by Nicky Taylor and George Carey Ridgen and well supported by Basky and John Guinness Morris. But, however hard they tried, it wasn't good enough and they lost by 19-5.

On rink five, the BC rink of John Evans, Mark Gray, B. Deeley and J. Moffat had a charmed life and were very lucky on quite a few occasions. Paul Blaney, who skipped the opponents' rink, was well supported by Lou Brace, Nigel Bus Pass Cousins and Castleman Titch, but Paul and the boys went down admirably 20-10.

On rink six, Saundersfoot captain Macky's rink had a hard tussle with John Dugmore, but the Table ran out winners 11-10. Mike Gypsy Morgan and Dai Ginger Lewis played very well, once they found their weight, and Paul Criddle also played well at three. Cath was having a bit of stick from the Table's front two, but handled the pressure well.

There was an enjoyable hour in the clubhouse after and Macky is hoping it can become a regular fixture, as it can be good money-raiser for the Bowling Club with more of these games.