IN glorious weather Abergavenny’s second MBA game of the season against Rhymney Gwent was closely contested, with both teams winning on two rinks. Abergavenny just managed to gain the upper hand on the aggregate score, winning by 76 shots to 67.

The rink of Gethin Hill built a substantial lead through the middle section of their game and then went on to score seven shots, without reply, over the final six ends to win by 28 shots to 13. Robert Poynter’s rink was involved in a tight tussle throughout their game. They managed to gain the upper hand by scoring five shots and conceding only one over the final four ends, to win by 20 shots to 17.

Abergavenny were defeated on the two remaining rinks. After being closely matched for the first 18 ends, Matthew Vale’s rink conceded seven shots on the nineteenth end consigning them to a defeat by 22 shots to 16. Again the rink of Anthony Moriarty was all square with five ends to play but the opposition then scored six shots over the final five ends to win by 15 shots to 12.

On Sunday Abergavenny played a mixed team friendly against Pontyfelin, whose team was made up of players from three different clubs. The Abergavenny team had several players unavailable through holidays and EMBA association games but were still able to field a team of five rinks. Although Abergavenny were defeated by 84 shots to 46, the game gave the opportunity for several new bowlers to get their first taste of competitive bowling. Rink scores were Mary Evans 9 -17, Judy Belli 10 -12, Lesley Radley 6 -16, Ron Smith 7 - 23 and John Marsh 14 -16.

This coming weekend Abergavenny men’s team play an EMBA game against Chepstow at Avenue Road and the ladies have a midweek friendly at Pontymister Athletic.