MONMOUTH Bowls Club travelled to relegation rivals Newbridge on Saturday, with only a slim, mathematical, chance of avoiding relegation from the Gwent Bowls League Division 1, reports HAYDN HOLDER.

In reality, it was more in hope of a morale-booster to end the season, but even that was not to be.

On a severely drought-affected green, it was the home team who got away to an early start on all three rinks.

As the Monmouth players slowly got to grips with the fast speed and bigger swing on the parched grass, it looked possible that something could be salvaged, but even 21 ends were not enough for the visitors to recover the deficit and the home side took all 12 points.

This was enough to move Newbridge one point above RTB Ebbw Vale who have one more match to play, away at Pontymister Athletic, needing to win just one rink to avoid relegation.

At the other end of the table, Cross Keys have finished their games and lead the way by six points from Croesyceiliog, who have one game left to play.

Meanwhile, Monmouth’s internal competitions have all reached the semi-final stages and players are putting their best bowls forward to qualify for the competition finals, which are due to take place on the weekend of September 5-6.

Now is still a good time to try the sport of bowls for the first time.

There is just over a month to go before the green closes for the winter and a few practice sessions now will, hopefully, leave bowlers keen to resume in April.

Just bring a pair of clean flat shoes and the club will supply the rest.

Please come to the green on Monmouth Sports Ground on a Monday evening or contact the club via its website or Facebook page.