SEAN Croudace and Haydn Holder continued their progress in the Monmouthshire Bowling Association over-60s pairs last week, the Monmouth Bowls Club duo winning a tight semi-final against 2025 champions Beaufort.

Unfortunately, Haydn couldn’t repeat that success the following night at Newbridge against Paul Rees of Llanhilleth in the singles semi-final.

But Sean and Haydn will meet Paul again in the final of the pairs, while the Monmouth duo also face each other in the second round of the East Monmouthshire over-60s.

Saturday’s Gwent Bowls League match saw Monmouth entertain third-placed Blackwood, needing points to stay clear of the relegation zone.

The hosts looked poised to pick up 10 points on the last end after rink 3, skipped by Croudace, had already finished with a seven-shot advantage.

Rink 4, skipped by Jeff Parker, had pulled back to 17-17 after 17 ends, while rink 2, skipped by Holder, Monmouth, although unable to pick up the two points for the rink, were fighting hard to influence the overall result.

Trailing 16-22, they were aware that Monmouth led by one overall.

And holding two shots on the last end, it appeared the win was on, depending on rink 4, as the two skips bowled.

Haydn played his first bowl short (a “blocker”) to try to protect the head, but the Blackwood skip drew within a two feet .

Rink No 3 Tommy Need gave Haydn the message that it was now a “measure”, and the side holding shot could not be declared for certain.

Haydn drew shot with his last bowl, meaning Monmouth were, potentially one or two shots ahead in the match.

But hopes were dashed when Blackwood’s skip clipped the jack with his last bowl, moving it three or four feet to give the visitors two shots.

Rink 4 concluded a minute or two later, with Blackwood picking up another two shots to win overall by just three shots, leaving the hosts with only two points.