Under bright blue cloudless skies, Pembroke Dock Open Week returned to the bowling calendar on the weekend, after a three year absence and what a huge success it turned out to be.

The tournament took place at the immaculate Memorial Park green with matches played in front of appreciative spectators.

Competitors in the three competitions battled throughout the week for a place in the finals played on Saturday afternoon.

Sudbury Bowl - The final saw Club Chairman Richard Hissey take on Haydn John-Davies in a closely fought battle that could have gone either way. The lead changed hands throughout the match but it was a jubilant Haydn that lifted the prestigious trophy winning by 21 shots to 18.

Alfred Phillips Bowl - The event saw Brent Davies take on James John-Davies who tried valiantly to match his father’s success on the adjoining rink.

The game was very evenly matched and featured some high class bowling by both players. Brent, who only took up Bowls last year, emerged victorious 21-18.

Incidentally, this was the first time in the 75 year history of the tournament that a father and son have both played in the same finals’ day.

Texaco Shield - Players eliminated during the first few days of the tournament compete for the shield and this year Paul Griffiths took on Steve Evans in the final. Again, there was fine bowling by both players but Paul’s greater experience led to him lifting the shield after a comfortable win.

Prior to Mrs Di Davies, Club President, presenting the trophies in front of a large crowd, Richard Jones (organiser), praised those that had made the week such a success.

Thanks were extended to the band of greenkeepers for preparing an excellent surface, the ladies for preparing food for players and spectators, Dave Finn and the bar staff for helping to keep everyone hydrated and to Mrs. Collette Bethwaite (umpire) who officiated throughout the week.

Following the presentation ceremony everyone retired to the clubhouse to enjoy a buffet and the raffle with over 60 prizes up for grabs.

To bring the afternoon to an end, both Richard and Haydn were thanked for their hard work in ensuring the tournament ran smoothly.

Note: History was made this year as this was the first time that ladies were allowed to enter the tournament.

Although none of the ladies made it through to the final, they gave an excellent account of themselves.