ST. ALBANS 87 SAUNDERSFOOT 62

Saundersfoot travelled to Cardiff Bay last Saturday to play St. Albans on Splott Park in the last 32 round of the Carruthers Shield.

On what can only be described as the heaviest surface any of the villagers had ever played on, a struggle was always on the cards.

Used to playing on the excellent fast Saundersfoot green, the Pembrokeshire lads tried hard to adapt, but eventually went down by 25 shots.

On rink two, Roy Kennion, Terry Lamkin, John Dugmore and Steve Poole were five shots down on 18 ends, but picked up six shots on the remaining three to register the only win of the day.

Rink three saw George Cavell, Keith Rowlands, captain for the day Don Poole and Myrddin Dennis tying on 17 ends, but dropping two three's on the run-in helped towards a five-shot defeat.

Joe Dennis, Nev Ruff, Alan Brain and Steve Dick fought hard to stay with their opponents on rink four, but a bad run in the middle of the game, during which they dropped 18 shots in five ends, left them a mountain to climb and an eventual 10-shot defeat.

On rink five, Alan Brace, Bill Glynn, Paul Blayney and Berwyn Dennis were only two shots adrift on 16 ends, but struggled on the run-in to finish 11 shots behind the home team.

This was a disappointing day for the villagers, who now have the pick themselves up to do well in the remainder of their league fixtures.

Rink scores (Saundersfoot first, St. Albans skips only):

R. Kennion, T. Lamkin, J. Dugmore, S. Poole 17; P. Bowden 16.

G. Cavell, K. Rowlands, D. Poole, M. Dennis 17; M. Alderman 22.

J. Dennis, N. Ruff, A. Brain, S. Dick 16; G. Mullane 26.

A. Brace, B. Glynn, P. Blayney, B. Dennis 12; E. Forster 23.

Footnote: The boys would like to thank Vera, Henry, Kath, Hayley, Serena and Pat for their travelling support.

SAUNDERSFOOT FRIENDLY

Saundersfoot entertained their old friends from Beaufort last Sunday in their annual friendly encounter.

Quoting scores has been difficult, as with the game nearing its completion, a downpour ended proceedings prematurely.

Most of the players in running for cover either did not complete the scorecard for the last end played or handed in soggy, somewhat incomprehensible ones!

Nonetheless, it was close to a 20-something win for the visitors (sorry, that's the closest I can get!) on what was, until the deluge, a happy afternoon's bowling with friendship renewed.

An early finish did not spoil the day for the Beaufort contingent who had extra time in the bar before the bus left for home. This, coupled with the extended men's tennis final on the television, proved a satisfactory end to their outing.

COUNTY FINALS

The best wishes of the club go to John Jenkins for his appearance in tomorrow's (Saturday's) over 60s county singles final and to Alan Brace, who will accompany John in the over 60s pairs.

John plays Stuart King Thomas, of Pendine, at 12.30 and John and Alan play Mike Richards and Marley Hughes, of Haverfordwest, at 4 pm.

County finals will be held at Pembroke Dock, the home of Arthur Jarvis, this year's Pembrokeshire president.

FIXTURES

Today (Friday), Saundersfoot entertain Chameleons in a mixed friendly at 2 pm.

On Sunday, the gentlemen of St. Issell's are home to St. Kaths of Milford Haven in a division two encounter, while on Tuesday, Saundersfoot ladies travel to the north of the county to play Fishguard. Both games start at 2 pm.

On Wednesday evening, Saundersfoot play Pembroke Dock at 6 pm in a division one men's encounter. This is a re-arranged fixture due to the club's involvement in the Carruthers Shield.

Also on Wednesday at 2 pm, St. Issell's ladies play Neyland ladies away.

CARRUTHERS FOOTNOTE

Prior to the fixture at St. Albans, the Saundersfoot boys, some accompanied by their wives and family members, visited Cardiff Bay.

On stopping for a coffee in an American-style diner, they were given stars and stripes bowler hats to help celebrate the July 4 USA Independence Day.

Now, together with the wigs that some of the team were wearing, this created some amusement for the passers-by.

Oh, what a time to forget my digital camera, but suffice to say, Joe Dennis looked particularly noticeable, a clue - who said Michael Jackson is dead!

Spectator