Wow, what a weekend at Tenby Bowling Club. After an enjoyable friendly against Cross Keys on Friday afternoon, it was down to the ‘serious business’ of the Valero Pairs tournament.

Held over Saturday and Sunday, the ever-popular event (with a total of £600 in prize money up for grabs) again attracted a strong field of players, with 40 pairs from near and far gracing the Sutton Street green.

Indeed some high class bowling was on display throughout... as was the capricious nature of the British summer weather! Admittedly, Saturday was quite pleasant for much of the time, with shirt-sleeved players enjoying some sunshine, but Sunday dawned wet - very wet!

There must have been some doubt as to whether the competition would ever be completed, but the green held up well to the torrential downpour and the hardy bunch of bowlers just gritted their teeth, donned their ‘wets’ and carried on regardless.

By lunchtime on the Sunday, the round robin format of six-end games in four leagues of 10 pairs had produced two pairs from each to contest the knockout stages.

Among them were the host club’s own Joe Richards and Cameron White, as well as two other Tenby players, Luke Rees and Ryan Thomas, who were partnered by Saundersfoot’s Joe Dennis and Steve Poole, respectively.

Also through were two top Harlequins pairs, brothers Jack and Jarad Breen and Chris Prosser and Gareth Cole. The latter had not lost a game throughout Saturday, but surprisingly succumbed in their final ‘league’ game on Sunday to another home club pair, Roger Thomas and Neil Dickinson, who seemed to revel in the wet conditions.

By then, though, the duo from the Aberdare club had done enough to top their group, with the young Ogmore Vale pair of Jon Clayton and Kyle Gardner just behind them as they edged out Tenby’s Jonathan Webb and Huw ‘Beano’ Nicholas on shot difference.

Prosser and Cole went on to end the hopes of locals Ryan Thomas and Steve Poole in a closely fought quarter-final and did the same against Luke Rees and Joe Dennis (subbing for Tenby’s Ben Cloake) in the semis, both victories coming by the odd shot in nine.

Meanwhile, cheered on by their vocifereous band of supporters in the clubhouse, Ogmore’s Clayton and Gardner accounted for Tenby’s Joe Richards and Cameron White in their quarter-final and got the better of Tenby tournament regulars Mike and Tony Duckfield (Porthcawl and Swansea Vale) in the semis.

But as it turned out, it was not to be their day, for, as the rain continued to fall from the dark, grey skies, it was Prosser and Cole who shone through the gloom to eventually lift the coveted trophy.

A delighted Prosser told your correspondent that it was the first time he had ever played on the Tenby green - surely he will be back again next year to defend his title, along with all the others who enjoyed another memorable weekend, expertly organised by club president Lynn Rafferty, with special thanks going to Valero for their generous sponsorship of the event and to the ladies team in the kitchen for keeping everyone fed... and watered!

Results from the knockout stages were as follows:

Quarter-finals: Luke Rees and Joe Dennis (Tenby and Saundersfoot) 7, Jack and Jarad Breen (Harlequins) 4; Ryan Thomas and Steve Poole (Tenby and Saundersfoot) 4, Chris Prosser and Gareth Cole (Harlequins) 5; Jon Clayton and Kyle Gardner (Ogmore Vale) 7, Joe Richards and Cameron White (Tenby) 3; Mark Davies and Mark Driscoll (Kidwelly) 6, Mike and Tony Duckfield (Porthcawl and Swansea Vale) 7.

Semi-finals: Luke Rees and Joe Dennis 4, Chris Prosser and Gareth Cole 5; Jon Clayton and Kyle Gardner 8, Mike and Tony Duckfield 4.

Final: Chris Prosser and Gareth Cole 13, Jon Clayton and Kyle Gardner 6.

Tenby Arches Ladies v Saundersfoot

On Monday evening, Tenby Arches Ladies welcomed Saundersfoot to play their rearranged match.

The games on both rinks were extremely close.

On rink one, Margaret, Katie, Jo and Carol had the early lead, taking one shot on each of the first three ends. Saundersfoot then scored four to put them ahead.

Tenby won the next few ends, only to drop another four on the ninth. After that, it was anyone’s game and the final score was an honourable draw of 12 each just as darkness was falling.

Over on rink two, the game was even tighter. The Tenby team of Liz, Meryl, Jan and Gerry won the first two ends, but Saundersfoot equalised on the third end. Neither team could get a clear lead and the game ended in another draw of 10 each.

Saundersfoot, though, had only three players, so after the 25 per cent deduction, the score was Tenby 10 Saundersfoot 7.5, so a welcome five points to Tenby.

Tenby Arches Ladies are sponsored by the Tenby House Hotel.

Bonus ball

Last Saturday’s bonus ball was a rollover and lucky winner was Jack with number 8.

Fixtures

No games this weekend as it is Ironman weekend. Good luck to all who are entering.

On Tuesday, the ladies will be playing their last game of the season on the Sutton Street green against Milford Haven, with a 2 pm start

On Sunday, September 24, the Five Arches men play the Tenby team, and that game will be the last of the 2017 season.