TENBY 76

HAVERFORDWEST 78

Tenby began their league title defence against a strong Haverfordwest side keen to improve on their runners-up spot last season.

As predicted in the captain's speech, it was going to be a tough match between two top sides in Pembrokeshire and this was evident from the first few ends.

An extremely tight and keenly-contested match followed and the result hung in the balance until the final bowl of the match which went Haverfordwest's way by a couple of shots.

Tenby must now re-group for the tough encounter away at Whitland tomorrow (Saturday) knowing only a win will be good enough if they want to retain their league crown.

Rink scores (Tenby first, Haverfordwest skips only):

L. Rees, P. Hooper, J. Webb, A. Muskett 22; R. O'Leary 16.

G. Hewitt, S. Davies, C. Guymer, P. Day 13; J. Dixon 30.

N. Dickinson, R. Taylor, M. Jackson, J. Roberts 16; C. Court 18.

C. White, B. Cloake, B. Simmons, P. Diment 25; R. Thomas 14.

A big thank you must go to N. D. Toy & Partners Ltd., Independent Financial Advisors, for sponsoring the new Tenby shirts.

PEMBROKE DOCK

PATER 39 (0)

FIVE ARCHES 129 (14 pts)

With both their early season friendlies falling foul of the weather, the Arches were eager to get their league campaign off to a flying start when they made the journey to Pembroke Dock to play the Pater team on Sunday.

After receiving a warm welcome from home captain Steve James, both teams held a minute's silence in memory of Derek Goodridge, who passed way recently. Derek was a former member of the Pembroke Dock Bowling Club and in recent years was a loyal supporter and helper at Tenby Bowling Club.

The game started in weather more suited to ducks and the rain never relented throughout the game.

On rink one, skip Dai Spencer and his men were leading 11 shots to 10 after 11 ends, but after tea they took control of the game, winning eight of the next 10 ends and picking up 13 more shots to Pater's two.

Ray Taylor and his cubs were also in the groove on rink two, with a 42 shots to 12 win, picking up 25 shots over the last 10 ends to Pater's two.

On rink three, Gerald Hewitt was another new Arches skip to have a fine win. Leading 11 shots to four at 10 ends, they immediately picked up a six on the 11th end to go 17-4 ahead and from then on it was plain sailing as they ended 28-9 winners.

Rink four saw the captain's rink skipped by Ashley also have a fine win by 35 shots to five. Joe and Jonathan laid the foundations for this win, which saw the rink finish strongly, picking up 19 shots in the last 10 ends.

And so it was a fine start to the campaign for the Arches, picking up the 14 points on offer and winning overall by 129 shots to 39.

Rink scores (Five Arches first, Pater skips only) were:

Jim Taylor, Kevin Lewis, Ken Lloyd, Dai Spencer 24; M. Hyde 12.

John Rees, Steve Davies, Peter Hooper, Ray Taylor 42; Steve James 12.

Ron Hurlow, Harold Ebdon, Clive Webb, Gerald Hewitt 28; S. John 9.

Joe Hewitt, Jonathan Hubbard, Tony Powling, Ashley Hooper 35; R. Duncombe 5.

Thursday Night Triples

The Thursday night competition will start on Thursday, May 9.

For all those interested, please add your name to the sheet up in the clubhouse.

Whist

April 22: top - Vi Roberts, 178; 1st lady - Vera Burrows, 173; 2nd lady - Pearl Thomas, 165; 1st gent - Pauline Barnikel, 168; 2nd gent - Elsie Breadman, 163; 1st half - Gladys Irvine, 94; 2nd half - Joan Webb, 79; longest sitter - Margaret Hill, 6; lowest score - Mair Marquiss, 160; raffles - Vi Roberts and Pauline Barnikel.

April 25: top - Muriel Griffiths, 178; 1st lady - Mair Marquiss, 168; 2nd lady -Mary Renowden, 152; 1st gent - Gladys Irvine, 173; 2nd gent - Joan Webb, 172; raffle - Mair Marquiss.

Bonus Ball

This week's winner - Mary Renowden.