SAUNDERSFOOT 80 WHITLAND 75

Saundersfoot commenced their Carruthers (Welsh Cup) campaign last Saturday at the group stage with a home game against Whitland.

A close encounter looked in prospect and so it turned out, with the seasiders gaining the overall win by five shots.

After five ends, they led by just one shot, with the position reversed at the halfway mark.

A seven-shot lead had been established after 15 of the 21 ends played, and although in the past few seasons and indeed against Haverfordwest in the league the week before, the team had succumbed to a late rally by their opponents, this time Saundersfoot dug deep and held on for the win.

On rink three, Berwyn Dennis skipped against Colin Wynn and led until the 17th end. Scores were tied with one end remaining, but a count of four secured victory.

Rink four saw Steve Dick (playing like a trouper despite illness) up against Glyndwr Thomas and another tight tussle saw the lead change several times before the home four gained a two-shot win.

Brian Desmond was up against Steve Reese on rink five and with the help of a five and a four led by three shots with three to play. Losing the remaining ends, however, led to a two-shot defeat.

Joe Dennis, making his last appearance for a few months before he goes off to join the Navy, was up against Alan Whitehouse and had established an eight-shot lead with four ends remaining.

Back came the Whitland boys to tie things up at 18-all with one end to go, but unfortunately for Alan, a Saundersfoot short wood was promoted to give the home team a win by the narrowest of margins.

A good win then to start their cup run and more of the same is hoped for tomorrow when Saundersfoot travel to play Pembroke Dock.

Rink scores with Saundersfoot first and Whitland skips only were:

Alan Brace, Adam Hensman, Roy Pring, Berwyn Dennis 21; Colin Wynn 17.

Roy Kennion, Brian McKehon, Stew Howe, Steve Dick 20; Glyndwr Thomas 18.

Brian Deeley, Billy Glynn, Neil Hensman, Brian Desmond 20; Steve Reese 22.

Graham Hughes, Paul Blayney, John Dugmore, Joe Dennis 19; Alan Whitehouse 18.

The Saundersfoot boys would like to wish Joe Dennis good luck for his career in the Navy and would also like to wish Steve Dick and Nev Ruff speedy recoveries from their ailments.

LADIES TEAMS

St. Issell's ladies also hosted Whitland last Saturday, but in a league encounter, losing the match by 40 shots to 32.

On rink one, Gwenda Rees (making a welcome return after a season off after a knee operation) led for skip Amanda Lewis, with Beryl Lawrence second and Audrey Williams third.

Up against this year's West Wales Bowling Association president Cally Jones and her girls, scores were tied at the tea interval, but the visitors eased in front in the second half to win by 19 shots to 12.

Ceris Hewlings skipped on rink two with captain Kath Blayney leading, Diane Rigden second and Sue Roden third.

Whitland skip Andrea Thomas and her team raced into an early 12-shot lead after just seven ends, but the St. Issell's girls kept their cool, and in a spirited comeback, actually took the lead by one shot with one end remaining, but unfortunately dropped a two to be defeated by 21 shots to 20.

Both ladies teams were due to have been in action last Sunday, with St. Issell's hosting Tasker, of Haverfordwest, and Saundersfoot playing Neyland away, but both games fell foul of the weather and will have to be rearranged later in the season.

WARWICKSHIRE LADIES BOWLING ASSOCIATION 95 SAUNDERSFOOT LADIES 57

In a friendly match played in an excellent spirit, the ladies of the club entertained a county team from Warwickshire, losing the match by 38 shots.

Five gentlemen helped make up the five rinks due to a number of ladies being away on tour and the girls put this as a reason for the poor result (as mentioned by captain Kath Blayney in her after-match speech!). But seriously, Kath thanked them for helping out. although having asked for them to wear skirts, none was forthcoming!

Rink scores with Saundersfoot first and visitors skips only were:

Kath Blayney, John Austin, Viv Edwards Marion Evans 15; Liz Chedgzoy 16.

Brenda Davies, Kath Williams, Mike Ashbridge, Sue Roden 13; J. Corn 16.

Christine Harris, Diane Disney, Roy Kennion, Elaine Shaw 4; S. Thomas 30.

Angela Roberts, Sandra Anslow, Neil Hensman, Lorna Bissell 16; J. Hands 12.

Joyce Howe, Anne Evans, George Cavell, Beryl Lawrence 9; P. Bay 21.

FIXTURES

As well as the men's cup match tomorrow, both ladies teams will be in action at home, with Saundersfoot playing Fishguard and St. Issell's ladies up against Milford Ladybirds.

Both play again next Thursday, with Saundersfoot travelling to Milford and St. Issell's at home again, this time to Picton.

The Meyrick Owen team also play next week away to Strumble on Wednesday.

All matches start at 2 pm.