Congratulations to the St. Issell’s men’s team who last week qualified for the final of this year’s Pembrokeshire County Bowling Association Second Division Brains Cup competition.

Playing away at Neyland, although suffering a 24-shot defeat, they nevertheless topped group two overall on shot difference and will play the winners of group one on Sunday, July 30, at Pembroke Dock, the home of county president, Richard Hissey.

This will be the fourth time that St. Issell’s have reached the final, only to have been defeated on all three previous occasions, but captain Richard Whittaker is confident that this time his team can bring the trophy back to Saundersfoot.

Rink scores with St. Issell’s first and Neyland skips only were:

George Cavell, Bob Storey, Mike Ashbridge, Barrie Lee 16; Geoff Jones 18.

Alan Rich, Dennis Ball, Mike Carr, Richard Whittaker 19; Alan Smith 17.

Paul Sneyd, David Walters, Brian Dooley, Billy Glynn 9; Gordon Robson 25.

Roy Kennion, Mike Oliver, Neil Hensman, Nev Ruff 16; George Davies 24.

PEMBROKE DOCK PATER 58 (2 pts)

ST. ISSELL’S 83 (12)

The St. Issell’s team also had a league success last week when they defeated Pater at Pembroke Dock by 25 shots.

Rink Scores with St. Issell’s first and Pater skips only were:

Dennis Reed, Roy Harris, Brian Dooley, Billy Glynn 20; Les Chadd 17.

Alan Rich, Dennis Ball, Mike Carr, Richard Whittaker 33; M. Hyde 9.

George Cavell, Mike Oliver, Mike Ashbridge, Barrie Lee 12; S. John 17.

John Arman, Rod Bramhall, David Walters, Paul Sneyd 18; R. Page 15.

SAUNDERSFOOT MEN

The Saundersfoot First Division team played two league matches last week, with mixed results.

First up was the difficult trip to near neighbours Tenby who were out to avenge their early season defeat by the villagers.

On this occasion, revenge was sweet for the Sutton Street team who deservedly ran out winners by 37 shots, taking all 14 points from the match.

Never really getting going from the start, Saundersfoot found themselves 22 shots down after only five ends, a deficit they found difficult to recover from.

On rink one, Graham Hughes led for Myrddin Dennis with Neil Hensman second and Alan Brian third. Up against the Ryan Thomas four, they fell behind at the start, dropping a four on the second end, but in a spirited performance had taken the lead on four occasions in the latter stages, only to lose out at the death by 22 shots to 18.

Steve Dick skipped Dennis Ball, Brian Dooley and Brian Desmond on rink two against John Roberts and by only winning eight ends were outbowled by their opponents, 34 shots to 15.

Another close encounter ensued on rink three, with Don Poole, Paul Blayney, Mackie Brace and Steve Poole up against Dai Rees, Richard Court, son Chris and Andrew Muskett. Scores were tied after 16 ends, but eventually here too the home team came out on top at the end by 19 shots to 15.

On rink four, captain Berwyn Dennis skipped Dai Davies, Selwyn Price and nephew Joe against Fred Broomhead, Tenby captain Ben Cloake, Paul Diment and Kieran Peregrine, losing by 24 shots to 14.

Three days later, Pendine were the opponents at home and in a nail-biting finish Saundersfoot edged home by just two shots, picking up 10 points.

Although 10 shots in front after five ends and nine at the halfway point, the visitors were always in contention and with one rink left to finish, the home lead was just one.

Fortunately, Neil the postie drew his wood on top of the jack, which could not be moved, to the relief of the villagers.

Rink scores with Saundersfoot first and Pendine skips only were:

Dennis Ball, Mackie Brace, Brian Desmond, Steve Dick 14; Stuart King Thomas 16.

Roy Hooper, Brian Dooley, Paul Blayney, Joe Dennis 17; Mal Evans 20.

Graham Hughes, Neil Hensman, Alan Brain, Myrddin Dennis 17; Dave King Thomas 12.

Dai Davies, Selwyn Price, John Dugmore, Berwyn Dennis 23; Geoff Hale 21.

Despite losing their first league match of the season to Tenby, Saundersfoot remain top of the table, although the teams in second and third place are hot on their heels with games in hand.

MEYRICK OWEN

The St. Brides team consisting of Peter Williams, Kath Williams, Bob Storey and Dave Hicks moved to the top of their league table last week with a 26 shots to 16 away win at Tenby.

The reverse fixture was also due to be played, but was yet another victim of the rain and will now take place on Tuesday, September 5.

Would the team members please note that the home match against Whitland will be on Thursday, August 17

LADIES TEAMS

Both ladies teams were in action last Saturday, gaining full points with excellent performances.

St. Issell’s beat Pendine at home by 12 shots, with the Shirley Cox rink defeating Gill Cobb by 19 shots to 13 and Christine Harris skipping her four to a 23 shots to 17 win over Gwen Hale.

Playing away to Pembroke Dock Park, Saundersfoot gained a 16-shot win, with skip Gemma Amos defeating Barbara Rapley by 19 shots to 15 and Viv Edwards beating Penny Brickle 20 shots to eight.

St. Issell’s remain top of the league at the time of going to press, with Neyland eight points behind having played two games less.

OPEN WEEK

The annual Saundersfoot Open Week begins next Monday and continues all week, culminating in finals day the following Saturday, with members asked to attend as much as possible to show their support for what is a valuable source of income for the club.

Help is required on the green, in the bar and in the kitchen.

There will be matches to watch each day, with food and other refreshments available.