The Saundersfoot Junior Open was held on Sunday with glorious weather forecast and received! As well as the 'under 17s' bowlers, there were mums, dads, other family members, supporters, holidaymakers and club members all there to cheer them on.
Firstly, a round robin was held with two groups of four, each bowler playing three games of eight ends.
In group one, Billy Lewis and Joe Dennis were the eventual winners over Ysie White and Morgan Holmes. In group two, Ryan Thomas and Liam Price won over Tom Windsor and Cam White.
After 24 ends of bowls, the juniors had a well earned rest and shelter from the sun, while tucking into hot dogs, chips, cakes and coke - some ate healthier!
Soon it was time to start again.
As last year, Ryan was drawn against Billy Lewis in the 10-end semi-final. It was a close game until Ryan picked up a four on the fifth end, making the score 7-4 in his favour. Billy dug deep, but Ryan with added confidence went on to win 11-6.
In the other semi-final, Joe Dennis and Liam had a tremendous game which went down to the wire. The ninth end saw Joe trailing seven to 10. On the 10th end, Joe was holding three, with Liam having the last bowl. Liam confidently stepped onto the mat and bowled with 'a little weight' to take one of Joe's woods out; Liam going through to the final as a result of winning 10-9.
In the 'pairs plate', Ysie White, Cam White, Tom Windsor and Morgan Holmes played 'against and with each other'. The eventual winner with the highest cumulative score was Cam White.
In the nine ends runners-up game, Joe Dennis played and beat Billy Lewis 10-3 in a close game until Joe took the last three ends!
In the 11-end final, Liam Price (Whitland) and Ryan Thomas (Haverfordwest) played an excellent game, with Ryan finishing the eventual winner 10-5.
The presentation was performed by the Saundersfoot president, John Evans. Joe, Billy and Cam received their envelopes, followed by Liam with his heavier runners-up envelope! Finally, the winner's cup and envelope were presented to the player of the day, Ryan. Well done Ryan!
The quality of play and behaviour of all entrants throughout the tournament was of the highest standard and a credit to themselves, their coaches and club.
Finally, the organisers, Nev Ruff and Stew Howe, would like to thank the markers John Austin, Paul Blaney, John Moffatt, umpire Fred Rogers, caterers Viv Dick, Val Ruff, Ann Davies and Joyce Howe and too many to mention, donors of raffle prizes, food etc.