ABERGAVENNY Bowls Club was blessed with glorious weather and excellent bowling for their club finals.

These finals were the culmination of the season long competitions, concluding with the matches for both the ladies and mens’ championship.

The first final to be decided was the Novices’ Trophy. This was played between Dylan Beaumont-Welsh and Ron Smith. Although Dylan Beaumont Welsh held a slight advantage for the first 14 ends, Ron Smith then took control of the game to win the trophy by 21 shots to 13.

In the Veterans’ final between Robert Poynter and John Vale, Poynter established an early eight shot lead. Despite John Vale reducing this lead to four shots, Poynter then scored five shots on two ends to win by 21 shots to 13.

The mixed pairs’ final was a very close contest. The team of Anne Watkins and Anthony Moriarty established an early six shot lead over their opponents Jackie Evans and Bill Belli. This was reduced until scores were level after 14 ends.

The pair of Anne Watkins and Anthony Moriarty then re-established their lead, which they held to the final end, winning by 21 shots to 20.

Another very close contest was the final of the Ladies Pairs. Ann Watkins and Kath Pritchard held the advantage for the first 15 ends and then scored nine shots over the next two ends to hold an 22 shot lead with four ends to play. However, their opponents Sian Phillips and Judy Belli then scored 13 shots on the last four ends to win the title by 24 shots to 22.

In the Mens’ Pairs, Gethin Hill and Matthew Smith built a five shot lead by the tenth end. They scored heavily over the next five ends before going on to win the game by 23 shots to five.

The Mens’ handicap final provided the greatest tension at the end of the game. Matthew Vale and Anthony Moriarty were level at 13 all after 13 ends with excellent bowling from both finalists. Matthew Vale then scored seven shots over the next three ends, leaving one shot required for victory. However Anthony Moriarty replied by scoring the eight shots, without conceding a shot, required for victory to win an excellent and closely contested game by 21 shots to 20.

In the Ladies’ Championship’ Sian Phillips built a lead from the start. After 16 ends she was leading her opponent Mary Evans by 17 shots to six. Over the next three ends the game was turned on its head as Mary Evans scored eleven shots to draw level at 17 all. Over the next two ends Sian Phillips regained control to score the four shots required for victory by 21 shots to 17.

The Mens’ Championship was contested by Robert Poynter and Matthew Vale. Robert Poynter held the early advantage, leading by 14 shots to six after 11 ends. Vale then reduced the deficit to three shots after 15 ends, only for Robert Poynter to re-establish a seven shot lead, requiring two shots for victory.

Again Matthew Vale fought back by scoring five shots on the next two ends to leave the score at 19 shots to 17 after 18 ends. Robert Poynter then managed to score a shot on each of the next two ends to claim the Championship by 21 shots to 17.

An excellent day’s bowls was then completed by the trophy presentations followed by a barbecue which was enjoyed by all members present.

The previous weekend Abergavenny Bowls Club was well represented in the East Monmouthshire Bowling Association finals held at Monmouth Bowls Club. The first final of the day was the rink which was played between a rink from Caldicot and the Abergavenny rink of Jack Vale, John Vale, Gethin Hill and Matthew Vale. Without any rink being able to take control, the game was close throughout.

As a result, after 19 ends, the scores were level at 14 shots all. Fortunately, the Abergavenny rink then managed to secure victory by scoring three shot on the last two ends to win by 17 shots to 14.

Abergavenny players Robert Poynter and Jack Vale also contested the final of the Pairs against Gary Boots and Terry Richards of Caldicot. It was close but the Abergavenny pair always had a slight edge over their opponents, maintaining a minimum of a three shot lead throughout the game. They went on to win the final by 22 shots to 16.

In the Mens’ Singles Championship, Matthew Vale of Abergavenny took on Brian Howard of Caldicot. Matthew Vale was able to build a convincing early lead. He led by 12 shots to three and then by 19 shots to six, requiring two for victory.

However, his opponent Brian Howard then rallied to score seven shots without reply over the next few ends. Matthew vale was then able to score the two shots required for victory by 21 shots to 10.

On the same day as the East Monmouthshire Bowling Association finals, Abergavenny ladies held their Charity Tournament. Twelve teams from all over South East Wales competed in a mixed rink tournament for the Nevill Trophy.

The winners of the trophy were the ladies of Islwyn Park who beat the “Blue Belles” of Whiteheads Bowls Club in the final.

The losing semi-finalists were the Maybees from Newbridge and Millies Gang from Abergavenny, who included the two youngest contestants Millie and Dylan along with their grandfather Paul Beaumont. Everyone enjoyed splendid weather and the competition on this very successful day. Thanks to the sponsors and all who took part, the event managed to raise a total of £400 for this year’s nominated charity St David’s Hospice Care.