HOSTS Panteg House pipped Abergavenny’s bowlers by just two points in their midweek South Wales and Monmouthshire Ladies League.

Mary Evans, Diane Bevan, Dawn Kedward and Lesley Radley made a reasonable start by winning the first two ends and leading by three shots, but were undone by losing the next eight ends to trail 14-3.

The final five ends were a lot better and the game finished with Panteg’s lead reduced to 15-9.

Jenni MacGregor, Val Jones, Julia Salter and Sue Williams’ rink got off to a bad start by dropping a five on the first end, but won the next five ends to lead 6-5.

It was then a case of win two ends, lose two ends, with Panteg House leading 12-11 after 12 ends.

Abergavenny then broke away winning the last three ends to triumph 16-12, although Pantegf took overall honours 27-25.

On Saturday, the relegation-threatened Monmouthshire BA team travelled to Panteg Park, who are targeting a promotion spot, and secured a vital 83-72 victory.

Jimmy Harris, Fred Mutimer, Ron Harris and Peter Steed made a good start to lead 5-1 after four ends, and maintained their lead until the ninth end.

Abergavenny then scored six shots to take a 10-shot lead, but Panteg Park then fought back to trail 20-17 at the 18th end.

But the visitors then scored a two followed by a five, and with Panteg Park scoring one on the last end the final rink score was 28-18 to Aber.

On rink two, Mike Collins, Rob Pursey, John Newell and Mike Hayward dropped a four on the second end, and then won the next five to take a 10-4 lead on the seventh end.

Panteg Park won the next four ends for a 12-10 advantage before Abergavenny won the next six for a lead of 18-12.

The hosts finished strongly though, winning the last four ends to force an 18-18 draw.

On the rink of Rob Poynter, Steve File, Denis McDaid and Mike McGonagall the start was good with two threes being scored and Panteg Park restricted to three singles .

At the seventh end, the score was 9-3 to Abergavenny, but Panteg Park then pushed back to make it a very close game, by only being one behind at the 14th end at 12-11.

Abergavenny managed to keep their noses in front however, and on the 20th end it was 17-15.

Two excellent bowls from the Panteg Park skip earned the hosts three shots though and the rink win with a final score of 18-17.

Jack Vale, John Vale, Dave Hill and Dave Cooper had a nightmare start going 9-0 behind after five ends and 13-2 at nine ends.

Abergavenny didn't give up and started to battle back and were level at 15 all on the 16th end.

They were now on a roll, and took the lead to be 20-15 up on the 19th end.

And although Panteg Park won the last two ends scoring three shots, Abergavenny prevailed 20-18.

The overall 83-72 win secured 11 points for Abergavenny and three for Panteg Park.

It had proven a fantastic game with laughter, tension and plenty of skill.

On the green this week – Saturday 22nd, MBA away v Oakdale @2:30pm. Sunday 23rd, Club Finals Day from 10am.

See https://abergavennybowlsclub.uk for more information.