WHITLAND 75 (12 pts.) SAUNDERSFOOT 66 (2)

Saundersfoot played at Whitland last week in the first of two games played in three days.

In a top of the table clash which went down to the wire, it was the home team who gained a nine shot win to all but scupper the villagers chances of winning the first division title.

Rink scores with Saundersfoot first and Whitland skips only were:

Dennis Ball, John Dugmore, Paul Blayney, Steve Dick 16 Phillip Wynn 14.

Graham Hughes, Neil Hensman, Brian McKehon, Myrddin Dennis 17 Glyndwr Thomas 19.

Dai Davies, Selwyn Price, Donny Poole, Berwyn Dennis 17 Steve Reese 23.

Roy Hooper, Mackie Brace, Brian Desmond, Joe Dennis 16 Mike John 19.

SAUNDERSFOOT 98 (14 pts.) PEMBROKE DOCK 62 (0)

On Saturday, playing at home, however, it was a different story with the team bouncing back in emphatic style to win on all rinks and register a 35-shot victory.

At the 10 end mark, the lead was only nine shots and the difference between the teams was still the same after 15 played, with three of the four village rinks only ahead by one.

Thereafter, it was Saundersfoot who finished the stronger to claim a league double over the Dock.

On rink two, Dai Davies led for captain Berwyn Dennis with Selwyn Price at number two and Don Poole third against the opposition skipped by Richard Jones. Although trailing with just three ends remaining, counts of a five, a four and a two gave them a win by 26 shots to 16.

Joe Dennis skipped Roy Hooper, Rod Bramhall and Brian Desmond on rink three and up against the Dock captain Matthew John, here too were behind near the end only to then score 13 shots to nil and win by 25 shots to 13.

Graham Hughes, Neil Hensman, Alan Brain and skip Myrddin Dennis had a topsy turvy game on rink four in a high scoring game against the opposition led by county president Richard Hissey. The home boys won the first four ends to race into an 11-shot lead only for the visitors to fight back over the next four ends, and with the aid of a six, level the scores. By the time another four ends had been played, the Pembroke rink found themselves seven shots ahead only to then drop a six of their own, plus a four to put Myrddin and his team three shots ahead. Thereafter, it was a pretty even contest with a home win resulting by 29 shots to 24.

Rink five was a complete contrast in a low scoring encounter between Dennis Ball, John Dugmore, Paul Blayney and Steve Dick up against Alistair Benn, Alan Yea, Reg Thomas and Dave Halward. Always in the lead from the start in an encounter that saw 16 ends won by just one shot, a home victory was gained by 18 shots to nine.

There is no game for the team this weekend, the next match being a rearranged away fixture away to Haverfordwest on Sunday, August 20.

BARBECUE NIGHT

There is a pig roast at the club this evening for members and friends, commencing at 7 pm.

LIONS AND DISTRICT FRIENDLY

A social evening, commencing with a few ends of bowls has been arranged for next Monday evening, at 6 pm, with the Tenby Lions. Members are asked to support this as the organisation has been very helpful to the club in the past.

LLANTWIT MAJOR FRIENDLY

With the amount of friendly matches played at home in a season against touring teams, it’s not often the Saundersfoot club get to play an away friendly.

Last Sunday, however, was the exception when, following an invitation from Llantwit Major, who visited last season, to host a return match, a coach filled with players and family travelled to the Vale of Glamorgan club.

In a fun-filled day, including a stop on the outward journey at the McArthur Glen designer outlet village in Bridgend, the bowls match was followed by an entertaining few hours with Saundersfoot members regaling the home team with songs by Alwen Hughes, Val James, Lynne Reyed and Sue Roden, plus stories by the inimitable Dennis Reed.

A spider was held before the match and afterwards Sue and Kath Blayney announced a series of hilarious fines against the villagers for various misdemeanours with the proceeds of both going to air ambulance.

Even the weather stayed fine, although it rained in Pembrokeshire and the day closed with more laughter and songs on the journey home.

Thanks must go to club captain Graham Hughes and Alwen for organising the day and the Llantwit Major members, led by their captain John Nixon and his wife Pat for their welcome.

The day was enjoyed so much that Saundersfoot fixture secretary Paul Blayney has already been asked to arrange another away fixture next season.

GARDENS

The judging of the garden plots surrounding the green, which have been maintained by club members, has taken place and the winner of the Brian Deeley Trophy will take place at a social evening on Sunday, August 27.

On the same subject, congratulations to Lynne Reyed for winning the award for the best vegetable garden in this year’s Saundersfoot in Bloom best gardens competition.

Lynne has also been responsible for the wonderful hanging basket display that has greatly enhanced the outside of the clubhouse this year.

LADIES MEETING

There will be a meeting of the ladies section next Tuesday, August 15, at 6 pm, to discuss propositions for the forthcoming West Wales Ladies Bowling Association AGM. Please make every effort to attend.