Haverfordwest Castle 40 (0 Points) Tenby 99 (14 Points)
2nd July 2015
Due to the Carruthers match on the following Saturday, Tenby had to play against Haverfordwest Castle on the ‘Carruthers’ Reserve day, last Thursday (2nd July). Haverfordwest Castle are struggling at the foot of division one, but at home are more than capable of beating any team and certainly capable of winning a few rinks and taking much needed points. Rink 1, nearest the club house, saw Keiran Peregrine play with his usual ‘Carruthers’ shield rink of Luke Rees, Jon Webb and John Roberts – fresh from the British Isles International Series held in Scotland. The rink started well taking a count of four shots followed by a double and single to lead 7-0 at three ends. An exchange of shots over the next few ends, either double or singles, saw the Tenby rink get to the ten end stage up by one shot (9-8). The Tenby rink were in danger of losing but their experience shone through and they dominated the second half of the game by picking up low scoring but consistent shots to win 19-12. Rink 2. Craig Guymer also fielded his ‘Carruthers’ rink and had a far easier evening than rink 1. At five ends, the rink which featured Mike Jackson, Chris Court and Luke Guymer held a 8-1 lead. This was extended at ten ends to 14-3. Some dropped shots over ends thirteen to fifteen saw their lead reduce slightly but a run from end sixteen which included a count of five shots on the nineteenth end saw a final winning margin of 16 shots (26-10).
Rink 3. Andrew Muskett’s rink had a change with Huw Nicholas replacing the working Gerald Hewitt. The rink wanted to bounce back from their defeat the previous Saturday against Saundersfoot. Aaron Lloyd played a very steady game, as did the ever consistent Peter Day. Huw Nicholas never disappoints and is always very consistent and is certainly pushing hard for a starting Carruthers shield place. The rink certainly wanted to right the wrongs of their previous match and raced into a 11-0 lead after only seven ends. Further scoring which included a four, three and two in the middle section of the game saw their lead extend to 21-5 (14 ends). A dropped count of four shots on the very next end, followed by dropped singles over three of the last five ends saw a final win recorded of 25-12. Rink 4. Shaun Peregrine replaced the absent Cameron White, with Joe Richards and Ryan Thomas joining Paul Diment. The rink played against Tenby’s former member Colin Jones who has relocated to Haverfordwest and it was great to see the likeable young man again. County over 60’s skip, Mike Codd, and Daniel Jones – son of former International and two time Silver Bowl winner, Gareth, played third. This was certainly the best Haverfordwest Castle rink – on paper at least – but the Tenby four took an early 6-0 lead at three ends. Scoring exchanges made over the next three ends – in Haverfordwest Castle’s favour – saw the lead reduce to 7-4. A brief chat between Ryan and Paul saw a calculated change of tactics and they only failed to score on another two ends. To be completely honest, I don’t think we have seen such a dynamic combination since Albert and Costello. I am sure that Peter and Andrew will disagree, but I think they’re more like Renee and Renarto.
In summary, another consistent performance by Tenby who continue to put pressure on the other teams attempting to knock them off their perch. Tenby maintain a slight advantage with Haverfordwest their main challengers in second place and Tenby Five Arches in third place. At the half way stage with games already played away against top sides Haverfordwest, Saundersfoot and Whitland – Tenby would be favourites having Whitland and Haverfordwest at home. However, we all know that both these clubs are more than capable of coming to Tenby and beating them such is the quality players that they can call upon.