What a climax to representing Pembrokeshire in the Carruthers Shield (National Club Championship 2017). Three clubs were still battling for the honour in section 36 of the competition last Saturday, namely Haverfordwest, Whitland and Pembroke Dock. And in the end, it all came down to shots difference, with all three winning two games each and gaining four points apiece.

Whitland were in the driving seat when arriving in PD, having already won two games. Pembroke Dock had other plans, however, and home green advantage saw them run out winners by six shots after a nail-biting game, winning on two rinks and losing on two rinks.

Haverfordwest, who went to Milford and won by a comfortable 43 shots, just missed out by seven shots to PD in the overall shots tally.

So it is congratulations to Pembroke Dock for a sterling team effort as they now go on to represent Pembrokeshire in their section in the Carruthers Shield.

Rink one: An excellent rink performance, nip and tuck throughout. With the scores standing at 13-all on the 15th end, the Pembroke Dock boys pulled out all the stops to win the next four ends. Whitland, skipped by Colin Wynn picked up three shots on the 20th end to close the gap, but a wonderful take out by skip Richard Jones with his last wood on the last end saw the PD boys pick up four shots to win overall by seven. Final score - 23 shots to 16.

Rink two: After getting off to bright start, the Pembroke Dock rink skipped by Brian Dowling were ahead by 14 shots to nine at the halfway stage. Whitland, skipped by Phil Wynn, staged a late recovery to eventually run out winners by six shots. As stated by skip Brian Dowling, “We played as well as Whitland, but they got the shots at the right time.” Final score - 16 shots to 22.

Rink three: Starting off very slowly, being down by six shots on the fourth end, the rink mustered together to gather momentum and rally around skip Richard Hissey, to take the game away from the Whitland rink skipped by Steve Rees. Winning five out of the last six ends saw Richard’s rink home comfortably by eight shots. An excellent performance by the Pembroke Dock boys. Final score - 26 shots to 18.

Rink four: After a poor start, the Pembroke Dock rink skipped by Hugh Williams came more into the game as it progressed. But the Whitland rink skipped by the experienced Glyndwr Thomas held on to win by three shots in the end. Being seven shots down by the 12th end, the PD rink closed ranks to pull back over the closing stages to narrow the shots margin. Final score - 17 shots to 20.

Overall final score - Pembroke Dock 82 shots, Whitland 76.

So Pembroke Dock go into the Carruthers Shield competition full of hope. It has been many years since the club has progressed this far and has given all in the club a boost.

The other representative for Pembrokeshire will be Tenby Bowling Club who won through in their section, so congratulations to them. Tenby won the coveted trophy in 2009, and were runners-up in 2015, both wonderful achievements. Can Pembroke Dock emulate them? It remains to been seen, but it will not be for want of trying.

Steve James

Steve James, of Pembroke Dock Bowling Club, sadly passed away recently. Steve was a stalwart of the club, always bright and cheerful. He was a past chairman and was captain of the Pater team for many years, always working behind the scenes and encouraging new bowlers within the club. He was a man who was well thought of, which was evident by the attendance at his funeral. Our thoughts go out to Betty, his wife, at this sad time. Thank you, Steve, for all you did. May you rest in peace.

K.A.E.