SAUNDERSFOOT 60

WHITLAND 80

Saturday, May 5, saw a fixture between two clubs keen to impress in the league this season, considering both teams are close to unrecognisable to previous years.

The Whitland boys were keen to build on their previous fixture where they lost by 28 shots to Tenby, winning two rinks and losing two, in what, to be fair, was a very close game, regardless of the score.

With the Whitland boys keen to impress captain David Jenner and the team of selectors, they performed exceptionally well to record a 14-0 win, by 80 shots to 60 shots.

Rink one consisted of the experienced trio of Denny Richards, Nigel Davies and their skip Glyndwr Thomas, backed up by a very good display from their newcomer to the first team Steve Morse. In what was always going to be a close game against the experienced opposition, which included Berwyn and Joe Dennis, seven shots over the last four ends helped the Whitland rink to run out comfortable winners by 24-15.

Rink two consisted of a rink whose only ever previous game together was a win the week before against Tenby, namely skip Dan Jenner, Ashley Reese, Gareth Davies and another newcomer Bob Wood. The front end played well on every end, building a foundation with which to formulate a win. However, the Saundersfoot rink restricted the opportunities for the Whitland boys, which was in no small part down to the performances of Neville Ruff and Steve Dick, but eventually the Whitland rink pulled through to record a deserved 17-14 victory.

Rink three was a great battle between two of the most experienced bowlers in the county - Myrddin Dennis and county president Colin Wynn. With experience of playing many thousands of ends between the two skips, it was always going to be a battle of wits (in Colin's case luck) that was going to win the day, with a decisive bowl on the final end turning what was a potential losing position into a pick-up of three shots for the Whitland rink. Colin was once again well supported by first team newcomer Robbie Burns, who put in a good display of leading, followed by our very own Keith 'George' Michael, and the ever-consistent performer John Rees. The 15-13 win was well-received by the team.

Rink four contained a rink of familiar faces in the Whitland first team, with Steve Reese being aided by the consistent leading of David 'Captain' Jenner, some good bowling from second Charlie Morse, and a brilliant supporting act from Huw 'Beano' Nicholas. The chemistry and performances of the four bowlers continued from the previous week and victory against Paul Diment in Tenby. The Whitland rink never looked like losing from start to finish and was never behind during the whole game, coming out 24-18 victors.

The captain would like to thank all the players for their effort in the first two games, and would like to congratulate the players who have come into the first team this season.

These two teams now meet once again tomorrow (Saturday) in the Carruthers Shield, both hoping to get off to a good start in what is a tough group also containing Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock.

TRIANGULAR SERIES

Monday, May 7, was the day chosen for the first ever Gwyndaf Owen Triangular Series, in memory of Gwyndaf Owen, of Kidwelly Bowls Club, who sadly passed away last year.

The match was between Carmarthen Bowling Club, Kidwelly Bowling Club and Whitland Bowling Club, with the hosts for the first ever game being Carmarthen.

The match was played on a day where the weather was sure to play a part. However, luckily for all concerned, the rain held off until after the last couple of bowls were bowled.

The victors of this the first match in the series were Whitland. With a high standard of bowling from all three teams, all fielding pretty much full strength first teams consisting of many county bowlers, it was always going to be close.

The final scores were: Whitland 99, Kidwelly 85, Carmarthen 59.

Whitland Bowls Club would like to thank a former member, Matthew James, for considering them to be part of this triangular series, and congratulate him on organising a fantastic day for all. Thanks would also like to be issued to Carmarthen Bowling Club for hosting the event and hope that we can similarly do it justice next year.