SAUNDERSFOOT 95 PENDINE 55

The Saundersfoot First Division team completed the double over Pendine last Saturday when they defeated their opponents by a formidable 40 shots. With every rink winning, the villagers took the maximum 14 points from the game and with only bottom of the table Milford Haven to come tomorrow, plus a part rain affected game to complete against Tenby, both of which are at home, 12 points will ensure a fourth place finish to the season. On rink two, Alan Brace led for skip John Dugmore, with Graham Hughes making a welcome return to the side and captain for the day at number two and Ken Davis third. Up against Stuart King Thomas's boys, the Saundersfoot four raced into an eight-shot lead after just four ends and at the halfway point led by 10. Now any bowler will tell you that the tea break can work for or against you and on this occasion the Pendine rink took the opportunity to regroup and they certainly came out fighting, winning the next eight ends to reverse the deficit and take a two-shot lead. Winning two of the last three ends, however, just eased the village rink home by 20 shots to 17. Rink three saw Steve Dick skip Neil Hensman, Mike Gouldingay and Paul Blayney to a win over Dave Roberts, Pendine captain Dave Stewart, Roger Gosnold and skip Mal Dix by 23 shots to 13. On rink four, Nev Ruff, Tommy Nutt, Brian Desmond and Myrddin Dennis had a shaky start against Arwel Edwards, but an early deficit was pulled back to leave the scores tied after nine ends. Afterwards, it was the home four who took control and, although dropping a count of five on the last end, still ran out winners by 23 shots to 16. Rink five saw the best result of the day, with Roy Kennion, John Amos, Brian McKehon and Steve Poole restricting their opponents skipped by Mal Evans to winning only six ends to record a win by 29 shots to nine. Counts of a six and a four in the early stages certainly helped to set up the victory and afterwards, with Steve these days back to his brilliant best after a few years out of the game, the result was never in doubt. So it's full steam ahead to hopefully defeat Milford tomorrow and secure fourth spot. The match gets underway at 2 pm.

ST. ISSELL'S

The gentlemen of St. Issell's travelled to play Borderers, of Whitland, last Sunday, but were defeated, returning home with no points in a four-rink loss. On Sunday, they play their last game of the season away at Neyland. Their female counterparts picked up two points at home to Tasker, of Haverfordwest, and with a few games left to play should finish comfortably in mid-table.

WEST WALES LADIES BOWLING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL COUNTY TOUR

Led by this year's president Margaret Saunders, of Neyland, the county ladies travelled to Kenilworth in Warwickshire last weekend for their annual tour. On Saturday, four rinks played the Warwick club, which was located in a beautiful setting alongside the river Avon and in the shadow of Warwick Castle. On the same day, seven rinks played at Lillington, whilst 12 rinks all gathered on Sunday to play Stoke Bowling Club in Coventry. Here, many friendships were renewed as the Warwickshire Ladies County Association had toured Pembrokeshire two years ago. Stories have reached me of various incidents which caused great hilarity, but as they say, what goes on whilst on tour, stays on tour! Everyone seemed to have a most enjoyable time and this was in no small measure due to the efforts of the organiser, Gloria Dugmore, who, although not in the best of health, went on the tour and she receives the thanks of everyone for all her hard work.

MEN'S COUNTY TOUR

For the first time in 16 years, the men's county have decided that why should the ladies have all the fun and there will be a tour of their own next year. It will be led by the 2015 county president, Richard O'Leary, with Mike Richards as tour secretary and will involve a three-night stay in Exmouth and games in Devon and Somerset, culminating with an inter-county match on the way home against the Somerset men's county team. Full details can be found in the clubhouse on the county notice board and any member interested has until September 30 to secure their place.

FIXTURES AND CLUB COMPETITIONS

With the evenings drawing in and the sun slipping quietly southwards, the short outdoor season is coming to an end all too quickly. Only a few league fixtures remain to be played, plus two mixed friendlies next week against Yate and District on Monday and the White Horse Bowling Club next Friday. All club tournament semi-finals must be played by next Sunday, leaving tournament secretary Paul Blayney time to arrange the order of play for finals weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7, which will bring the curtain down on outdoor competition for another year.

Ladies meeting

A ladies meeting has been arranged for Thursday evening, at 6 pm, to discuss county propositions submitted by other clubs.