BRYNMAWR Welfare started their season on a controversial note after being forced to play their first match away to Chepstow.

This was supposed to be a Brynmawr Welfare home game but the local council refused to open the ground for the match. Consequently, Brynmawr had to play the match away at a disadvantage as the opposition's ground was open and allowed for pre-match practice for the Chepstow team.

None of the Brynmawr team had been able to practice outside prior to the match and with many Brynmawr Players returning from playing the winter season indoors with Blaenau Gwent, the away team were at a distinct disadvantage with the pace and delivery of woods varying so much.

Prior to the match the Chepstow team captain stated that should a hail storm occur all players should return to the club house.

The captain must have had psychic powers as before the two trial ends had been completed down came large hail stones turning the entire ground white.

Following a five minute interval, the sun came out and play resumed for the remainder of the match.

In the early stages of the match Brynmawr's lack of pre-season practice showed with Chepstow taking advantage and racing into a lead on rinks by 2-5, 2-5, 2-5, and 3-4. By the half way mark Chepstow had increased their lead on three rinks by 4-16, 11-14, and 6-15, with only Brynmawr's rink of John Price, Gordon Rees, Norman Doel and Peter Martyn playing extremely well to lead by 13-6.

As the match continued Chepstow continued to dominate on three rinks but had no answer to John Price's rink whose team battled hard through out.

In the end Brynmawr lost by 14-27, 14 -27, 13-25, 27-21, with two points for the away team and 12 points for Chepstow.

The Brynmawr team: Captain L. Ellias, I. Edwards, J. Broad, A. Rees, R. Owen, D. Edwards, K.Edwards, J. Smith, P. Martyn, N. Doel, G. Rees, J. Price, W. Stanley, A. Holvey, M. Miles.

Reserves: D. Price, P. Carey.