Monmouth Bowls Club have a more positive week to report, starting with the appearance of two club members, Sean Croudace and Haydn Holder, at the Welsh Bowls National Finals in Llandrindod Wells, on Wednesday, in the last 16 of the Over60s Pairs. Despite losing to Tony Evans and Dai Rowlands of Machynlleth BC, the pair thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Llandrindod Wells.

On Friday, Sean and Haydn were both in action again, this time in singles semi-finals in East Monmouthshire Bowling Association (EMBA) competitions. Sean travelled to Abergavenny to face Richard Davis in the Open Singles and secured a final place with a 21-18 victory. Meanwhile Haydn was at Crickhowell to play Neil Wilkie in the Over60s Singles. After a heavy shower of rain, the green became slippery and Haydn thought his chances had ended when his lead foot slid from under him resulting in him doing the splits! However, after a minute, or two for recovery, he resumed play (carefully!) and managed to hold on for a 21-19 victory. Both finals will take place at Chepstow Bowls Club on Sunday 13th September.

Chepstow BC was the venue for Monmouth’s only team action this week and, despite the absence of some regular players, Monmouth managed to secure a good win in the EMBA league match. Monmouth won two of the three rinks and the overall match, in no small part thanks to the “guest appearance” of veteran, Terry Davies, who played a blinder as Skip on Rink 1, for an 11-shot win. With an advantage of 12 shots on Rink 2 and a loss by 13 shots on Rink 3, Monmouth ran out overall winners by 10 shots.

Photo: Monmouth’s Terry Davies was victorious Skip on Rink 1. Photo credit: Haydn Holder