five arches 71 (11 pts) MILFORD HAVEN 62 (3)

The T. P. Hughes - Welsh Gift Shop sponsored Five Arches team returned to winning form on Saturday, defeating visitors Milford Haven and picking up 11 points to three. This was a welcome win for the Arches, who have been on a losing run of form in recent weeks, and with two big games this Saturday and Sunday, against Tenby and Haverfordwest, the Arches players are in for a busy weekend. On rink one, Neil Dickinson and his rink were involved in a very tight game against the Tony Ellyatt rink. At the tea break, the Arches were trailing by five shots, but they then proceeded to win eight of the remaining ends, reducing the deficit to one shot after 20 ends. The final end saw Neil produce a superb drawing bowl to gain a front toucher to bring the scores level at 17 each, and bag a vital point for the team. This was a fine performance from the rink, with Roger and Bill bowling well up front, backed up by Peter and Neil - well done. Rink two saw Gerald and his men defending their unbeaten league record and playing for six wins in a row. Up against Lee Power and his rink, the G Men were trailing by one shot at the seventh end, but disaster struck on the eighth when they dropped a count of seven to go 13 shots to five down. The G Men, however, are made of stern stuff and by the 20th end the deficit was down to three with the score at 20-17 to Milford. The home four played a great final end, picking up two shots, with a measure for a third, which would have produced another drawn game. Unfortunately, the meaure went against them and the Arches rink had to settle for the two shots to see them go down by one, 20-19. Well done John, Harold, Steve and Gerald. On rink four, Dai Spencer and his men were drawn against Jim Thomas and his rink, and made their usual slow start, finding themselves adrift by seven shots at the fifth end. They then won the next four ends to reduce the deficit to one, with the front end of Kevin and Thomas going well, backed up by Ken at third, who was bowling some telling woods. After that, the rink produced a powerful final surge to pick up another 13 shots to Milford's three, running out winners by 20 shots to 12. Ashley and his rink were drawn on rink five against Gareth Jones and his men, and this turned out to be a very close encounter. At the 10-end tea break, the scores were all-square at seven shots each, by end 15, the game was still level at 11 shots each. The Arches four kept it all under control over the remaining ends, however, running out winners by 15 shots to 13. Rink scores (Five Arches first, Milford Haven skips only) were: Roger Thomas, Bill Benham, Peter Hooper, Neil Dickinson 17; T. Ellyatt 17. John Rees, Harold Ebdon, Steve Davies, Gerald Hewitt 19; L. Power 20. Kevin Lewis, Thomas Lewis, Ken Lloyd, Dai Spencer 20; J. Thomas 12. Jon Hubbard, Tony Powling, Steve Williams, Ashley Hooper 15; G. Jones 13. • Please note: The Tenby and Five Arches captains have arranged a joint team photograph with their shirt sponsors at 1.30 pm approx. before their First Division league encounter tomorrow (Saturday). Both teams swept the board last season, Tenby winning the County Shield (again), and the Five Arches winning the Second Division and Brains Cup.

FISHGUARD LADIES 4 pts. TENBY ARCHES LADIES 2

A changed Tenby ladies team travelled to Fishguard last week quietly confident following their last home encounter when they picked up maximum points. The game, which was close throughout, was dominated by the home rink skipped by Jenny Harris and the Tenby rink skipped by Alison Redman. Jenny's rink set the pace and won by 17 shots, while Alison's rink had a 14-shot victory, with the final overall score of 43 shots to 40 going in Fishguard's favour. Alison was supported by Carol, Ginnie and Mair and at the halfway stage they were 20 shots ahead. Fishguard fought back with Ann Newberry's squad picking up 12 shots in four ends, including a count of ends. This count probably resulted in the overall defeat for the Arches ladies, but it's all about 'what if?' Helen had Liz, Meryl and Lon in her rink, but they were never in the game and won just six ends, finally losing by 17 shots to Jenny Harris's four. Our 'missing teapot' lady was at it again, spotting a beautiful Gunnera Manicata plant by the side of the green, only to mispronounce it, causing giggles and smiles from all around!

WHITLAND LADIES 6 pts TENBY ARCHES LADIES 0

Tenby ladies travelled to Whitland on Saturday for their return league fixture. Whitland were triumphant in their first game, picking up four points, but went one better on their home green, securing all six. Alison's rink of Liz, Ginnie and Carol were up against Cally and her ladies. Cally's rink got off to a flier, picking up a five on the first and third ends. Alison's rink fought back and took the lead on the 18th, having won 12 of the previous ends, but it was Cally who finished the strongest, winning by 19 shots to 17. Helen had Audrey, Meryl and Gerry supporting her and they had a very slow start. With Jo Shewry skipping the Whitland rink, they raced to a 16-5 shot lead , only for Helen to fight back and cut the deficit to three shots, before finally losing by 19 shots to 16. The overall shot count finished 38 to 33 in Whitland's favour.

Whist Results

Thursday, May 29: top -Margaret Hill, 181; 1st lady - Mary Renowden, 177; 2nd lady - June Andrew, 162; 1st gent - Pauline Barnikel, 161; 2nd gent - Elsie Breadnam, 158; 1st half - Joan Webb, 85; raffles - Pauline Barnikel and Mary Renowden. Monday, June 2: top - June Andrew, 172; 1st lady - Mair Marquiss, 168; 2nd lady -Joan Webb, 163; 1st gent -Pauline Barnikel, 170; 2nd gent - Elsie Breadnam, 161; 1st half - Pearl Thomas, 82; 2nd half - Margaret Hill, 79; raffles - Pauline Barnikel and Pearl Thomas.

Bonus Ball

Bonus ball winner last Saturday was Ashley Hooper. Congratulations.