Five Arches 79    Haverfordwest St Thomas  73

The Five Arches first match of the 2010 2nd division campaign was played against the St Thomas team from Haverfordwest, these games have historically been very close and this one proved no different. Captain Ashley welcomed the visiting team and with the promised rain not appearing, the fine weather was enjoyed by all. With their new shirts shining in the sun, the Five Arches were looking forward to a winning start to the season.

On rink 3, with Roy Powling back at skip, ably supported by Dai, brother Tony and Gwyn, they were involved in a tight game all the way through. The loss of four shots on the 20th end broke the deadlock in St Thomas' favour to open up a six shot lead but the Five Arches boys immediately hit back with a four of their own to go down by only 2 shots which was to prove crucial for the overall result. Rink 4 again was a tight affair, Clive at skip marshalled his troops with aplomb, Eamonn and Ben providing a solid a front end and vice captain Mike chipping in with telling shots at third. In an evenly matched game seven shots in 3 ends opened up a gap which was never closed and Clive and his rink ended with a well deserved 6 shot victory.

Rink 5 saw Tony Brown's much changed rink win by 7 shots, they were never behind in the game and eased to a comfortable victory. With Doug at lead, Johno at 2 and the returning Ray at 3 the rink looks very solid and much more success can be expected. Lee and his rink of Ken , Ben and Ashley were involved in a close tussle on rink 6. After a good start, they were pegged back after tea and a fine shot by opposing skip and county regular Mark Thorpe which made four shots on the 19th end decided the game and the St Thomas quartet went on to win by 5.

Overall a great start to the season which we can hopefully continue in our remaining games.

Many thanks must go to the Five Arches team sponsors, The Welsh Shop, Stena Line and the Farnham Hotel for their generosity and also to Lawrence for once again preserving the match for posterity with his wonderful photos. The Five Arches have no game this weekend giving us an opportunity to watch the mighty Tenby team in Carruthers action against Saundersfoot. League action resumes on the 15th May, away to St Issells and on the 16th home to the Borderers.

Dai Rees, Tony Powling, Gwyn Beynon, Roy Powling 19         H Hicks 21

Eamonn Maher, Ben Simmons, Mike Gouldingay, Clive Webb 23   T Harries 17

Doug Silcox, John Hubbard, Ray Holly, Tony Brown 21         R Harries 14

Ken Lloyd, Ben Cloake, Ashley Hooper, Lee Richards 16       M Thorpe 21