Over the last two weeks, Whitland men have been in action twice in the Carruthers Shield, with mixed fortunes, recording an opening day loss and then a victory in the later fixture.
On May 7, Whitland travelled to Haverfordwest, a side who on the back of an opening day loss in the league were looking to bounce back with a victory.
The game was played in high spirits in a very competitive atmosphere where Haverfordwest emerged as victors by four shots.
Phil Wynn's rink, which also consisted of Andrew Morse, Mike Williams and Dan Jenner, raced into an 11-1 lead after five ends, fighting hard to keep their lead for the whole game before emerging victors by five shots. With a score of 20-15, they were Whitland's only winning rink.
The rink of Steve Reese, John Rees, Tom Windsor and Nigel Davies played against a former Whitland player, Chris Court, who after a few years out of the game, proved he still has the ability he showed while playing for Whitland, emerging a 20-13 victor in a very hard-fought game.
Colin Wynn's rink also participated in a hard-fought game, eventually losing out by 18-16, with every player doing themselves justice in a very competitive game.
Glyn Thomas's rink played a rink full of experience and talent, which contained Craig Jones at third and skipped by P.D.S Jenkins. Glyn's fighting spirit rubbed off on the others around him, earning them a hard-fought 19-19 draw.
Results (Whitland first, Haverfordwest skips only):
Phil Wynn, Dan Jenner, Mike Williams, Andrew Morse 20; P. Jenkins 15.
Steve Reese, John Rees, Tom Windsor, Nigel Davies 13; C. Court 20.
Colin Wynn, Liam Price, David Jenner, Gareth Davies 16; R. Price 18.
Glyn Thomas, Huw Nicholas, Denny Richards, Aeron Thomas 19; P.D.S. Jenkins 19.
The following weekend, Whitland travelled to Pembroke Dock, knowing anything but a victory would mean that any chance of progression to the next round was over.
The Whitland team rallied together and provided a performance which was more than worthy of a victory against their Pembroke Dock counterparts.
Captain Dan Jenner's rink, which also consisted of John Rees, debutant Keith Michael and Gareth Davies, began by going behind 6-1 after five ends. However, they rallied together to record a 26-11 victory, which wasn't quite enough to nick the kitty, but for the captain was a very pleasing performance.
The kitty, however, went to the rink skipped by Steve Reese. Only dropping five ends all game, Steve's rink recorded a 28-9 victory, which was a very good demonstration of their consistent scoring all game.
Phil Wynn's rink produced a performance which was full of fighting spirit against one of the hardest rinks Pembroke Dock put together, skipped by B. Dowling, eventually losing out 23-17.
Glyn Thomas once again provided another fighting performance. The rink, which was unchanged from the first game, played against Richard Jones's rink, emerging victors 25-21, meaning the rink remains unbeaten, though it may be early in the season.
Results (Whitland first, Pembroke Dock skips only):
Dan Jenner, John Rees, Keith Michael, Gareth Davies 26; D. Halward 11.
Steve Reese, Nigel Davies, Ashley Reese, Ted Davies 28; D. Buchanan 9.
Phil Wynn, Liam Price, Mike Williams, John Addison 17; B. Dowling 23.
Glyn Thomas, Huw Nicholas, Denny Richards, Aeron Thomas 25; R. Jones 21.
The captain would like to thank all players for their early season commitment and hopes that the enthusiasm and camaraderie shown in the opening games is going to continue throughout the season.
Whitland Borderers have also been in action over the same two weekends, playing on the Sundays. Although they have lost both games, versus Pembroke Dock Mariners 97-54, and Five Arches 84-65, captain John Noble would like to thank all players for their performances and all players and supporters who helped out and attended during the two games.
Whitland Bowls Club would also like to congratulate all the Whitland Ladies players who have been selected to play for WWLBA in the first game versus South Wales and Monmouthshire on May 25.