FIVE ARCHES 65 (3 pts) PEMBROKE

DOCK 78 (11)

At the beginning of the season, Pembroke Dock suffered a resounding defeat on their home green at the hands of the Five Arches which was played on a glorious early summer afternoon.

However, it was a complete contrast when the teams met in the return fixture last Saturday, with fine drizzle and sea mist shrouding Tenby’s Sutton Street green.

The unseasonal conditions must have suited the visitors as they journeyed home celebrating an excellent 78 - 65 victory.

Rink one: Eric Dezille, Alan Yea, Dave Halward and Brian Dowling played out a hard fought, low scoring game on the show rink against Jon Webb’s four. Brian and Dave both put in excellent performances, ensuring they led from start to finish. Despite a strong challenge in the latter stages, Brian’s rink ran out worthy winners 15-11.

Rink two: Jerry Carroll, Hugh Colley, Hugh Williams and Matt John came up against a rink led by amiable Neil Dickinson. On the sixth end, The Dock picked up six shots and opened up a five-shot lead, the elation was short-lived as two ends later they inexplicably conceded six shots.

Thereafter, the game ebbed and flowed, with neither side managing to pull away. Going into the last end, Matt’s four were leading 21- 18, but loose front end bowling allowed Neil to pick up three shots and tie the game -probably a fair result.

Rink three: Boyd Parry, Brian Cale, Ken Edwards and Richard Jones came up against a formidable rink, with former Gold Cup and Silver Bowl winner Simon Evans playing third to Ashley Hooper, the Five Arches captain. The Tenby quartet stormed into a 16-5 lead at the interval, with Simon playing outstanding bowls. Fortunately, Richard and Ken managed to stem the tide and clawed their way back into the game, eventually going down 16-21.

Rink four: Paul Griffiths, Karl Bierschenk, Reg Thomas and Richard Hissey enjoyed their afternoon at the seaside with a convincing win against Ben Simmons’s rink. According to Richard, who will take over the mantle of county president next year, the win was down to a good team effort, with everyone playing their part. The visitors led 13-5 at the halfway stage and ran out winners 26-12.

Final score: Pembroke Dock 78 (11 points) Tenby Five Arches 65 (3).

While the splendid win has lifted Pembroke Dock into fourth place, a cheerful club captain, Richard Jones, commented that there is still room for improvement.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Tenby will be the visitors to the Memorial Park and they will undoubtedly provide a very stern test.

H.C.