The Tenby Bowling Club team went to our nearest neighbours Saundersfoot on Saturday knowing how much importance was placed on a win. A loss would more than likely mean a failure to progress through to the knockout rounds of the Carruthers Shield, the ultimate goal of any side, and with Pat Currie and Dai Spencer missing the boys knew the cause would be that much harder.

In fact in the opening 5 ends Saundersfoot had a 9 shot advantage, the majority of that difference coming from Andrew Muskett’s rink who by that early stage were trailing Steve Dick by 9-2, although not bowling badly it appeared that the Tenby side were missing the all important rub of the green. Matters got worse for Wigan’s men who were then 10-2 down and 14-7 down with 11 ends gone. However the front end unit of Ben Simmons and Mike Jackson decided to make this a game of two halves. Fortified by squash and cakes the two up front came alive and put the Saundersfoot front end to the sword and this inspired a comeback worthy of champions. In fact by the 17^th end the Tenby rink were 19-14 up, scoring 12 unanswered shots over 6 ends and seemed to be heading for a comfortable win. However to be fair to the Saundersfoot rink skipped by Steve Dick, they rallied hard and in the end the match finished with an honourable draw, 20-20, although it must not go unmentioned that Muskey had yards to draw in to make shot with the last bowl of the game, maybe his subconscious felt a draw was the fairer result.

This was certainly the case on rink 5, skipped by Paul Diment. His and Simon Evans’ rink had a great tussle. Paul’s rink got the better of the first half, leading 10-4 and tea. However a role reversal of the Tenby sides fortunes on rink two saw Simon’s rink come back to lead 18-17 going into the last end. However, holding one shot with a bowl to come, Paul Diment decided that, with the result of the game safe, he would undertake the sporting act and not bowl his last bowl, thereby ensuring a draw on that rink as well, a fair result for a good afternoon’s battle between two of Pembrokeshire’s most successful bowlers. Paul on the day was ably supported by Neil Dickenson, Aaron Lloyd (who were both again on top form) and John “Dennis Taylor” Baggott. Paul remarked that now John has new glasses he may be able to play his fore-hand more often – I have my doubts.

It was however in the middle rinks that Tenby did most damage. Firstly the Babies were on rink three. Ashley Hooper stepping in to play second with the Twins and Luke Rees; thereby upping the average age considerably. Al four played well, with Ashley contributing greatly. It’s a pity he’s decided to take on the role as Five Arches Captain as he’s be one of the first names on the sheet in his current form. The Twins were once again spurred on by their parents and WAG’s and again showed their quality. Time and time again drawing shots for fun, showing that finesse is also required as well as power in bowls nowadays. A similar story was repeated on Peter Day’s rink. The game was close until the 15^th end when Tenby were just shading out former (and by former we mean a very long time ago!!) Welsh u25 international Berwyn Dennis 14-11, but the rink went into overdrive winning the remaining 7 ends scoring 19 shots in the process to run out deserving winners 33-11. Special mention must go to the front end boys of Cam White and Joe Richards, who both played very well.

The Tenby side is becoming very strong (again) especially up front and team selection will be difficult over the coming months. With so many youngsters holding their own, all players will know that missing a match may mean losing your place, the competition for places is that severe. Which in turn is a nice headache for the selectors to have so early in the season. Tenby host Neyland in the last group match of the Carruthers this year knowing that a win will mean qualification to the knock-out stages. This will be the first home match of the season and the selectors know that the team selected will be anxious to put on a show to try and cement their places in the team as the league campaign starts the week after at Milford. Finally can I sum up by thanking the supporters who came down to shout us on, as always it’s very much appreciated, and secondly we all at Tenby hope that Berwyn and Myrddin’s father makes a speedy recovery.