LAST Saturday Abergavenny men’s team played in the first knockout round of the Welsh Cup, known as the Carruthers Shield. They welcomed Aberavon Bowls Club, who were captained by former World Indoors Bowls Champion and TV commentator John Price, for the game at Avenue Road.

The game was closely contested throughout with each team gaining victory on two rinks. Abergavenny just managed to hold on to record a win by 74 shots to 68. This excellent result brings a home draw in the next round when Barry Athletic will provide the opposition on July 7.

The two victorious rinks for Abergavenny were those of Matthew Vale and Keith Richards. Matthew Vale’s rink got off to a flying start and opened an eleven shot lead by the fifth end. Although the Aberavon rink fought back they were never closer than six shots behind The Abergavenny rink went on to win by 25 shots to 17. Keith Richard’s rink had an eight shot deficit after four ends. They gradually reduced this until drawing level with their opponents on the sixteenth end. They then outscored their opponents over the final quarter to win by 16 shots to 11.

The rink of Gethin Hill was involved in a close fought game for the first fifteen ends. They then conceded ten shots over the final five ends which resulted in a defeat by 21 shots to 16. In much the same format, Anthony Moriarty’s rink held the initiative for the first three quarters of the game. The Aberavon rink then scored eight shots on three ends to seal victory by 19 shots to 17.

Abergavenny ladies played a league match at Garndiffaith last week. They won on two of the three rinks to win the game by 46 shots to 42. Abergavenny’s successful rinks were those of Judi Belli and Sian Phillips. Judi Belli’s rink won a close game by 16 shots to 15 and Sian Phillips had a convincing win by 18 shots to 9. Unfortunately, although Ceri Clark’s rink got off to a slow start and therefore could not claw back their deficit, losing by 18 shots to 12.

Abergavenny played a mixed fixture last Thursday against St Martins Herford. Both teams included a number of new bowlers and despite gaining a victory on one rink, the Herford side proved too strong for Abergavenny. Particular mention should be made of David Matthews who acquitted himself well on his competitive debut for the Abergavenny mixed team, who look forward to the return fixture at Herford on August 30.

This weekend Abergavenny play an MBA game at Blackwood and Abergavenny ladies travel to Croesyceiliog for a league game. The Abergavenny mixed team also have a friendly fixture at Chepstow.