MONMOUTH Bowls Club have made a good start to the season, winning their opening four matches in the GBL (Gwent Bowls League), reports HAYDN HOLDER.

Allhave been closely fought, starting away at Caldicot in which Monmouth won only one of the three rinks but with such a large margin it wiped out the deficit on the other two.

This was followed by another away win at Blackwood then two home wins against Cross Keys and Bedwas & Trethomas.

The fifth match saw Monmouth visit RTB Ebbw Vale who were also undefeated after four.

Someone’s 100 per cent record had to fall and, sadly, it was Monmouth’s.

Despite three closely contested rinks, RTB made a clean sweep to take the points.

In the EMBA (East Monmouthshire Bowls Association), Monmouth have played Gilwern away, winning two of the three rinks and the overall match.

Four members have also represented the EMBA in inter-divisional matches.

Tom Williams and Sean Croudace played in the first match, a very narrow win over Rhymney and Sirhowy and also the second match, a loss to Newport and District.

In the third match, Tom and Sean were joined by Jon Miller and Haydn Holder to field an all-Monmouth rink against West Monmouthshire at Beaufort Bowls Club.

On a very nice rink, the Monmouth quartet steadily built a 13-9 lead but just could not get moving again as the opposition swept to a 23-13 win.

In individual competitions, Sean Croudace progressed to round 3 of the MBA (Monmouthshire) over-60s singles before losing to John Newton from Machen.

In the same competition, Haydn Holder has reached the quarter-finals and will now face Dave Hill from Pontymister Athletic.

Monmouth have attracted a few new players in the last two seasons but have also lost some!

New players are always welcome, whether just for a social game or aspiring to join in serious competition. Bowls is an easy game to get started in.

The club can supply bowls and all other equipment needed, all you need is a pair of flat-soled shoes.

Club night is Monday at 6pm. Look at the Monmouth Bowls Club website for more information or contact 07889 769102.