THE third week of this season’s Monmouthshire Short Mat Bowls Association League saw defending champions Dingestow take top spot for the first time with a comprehensive 10-0 home victory over Magor, reports HAYDN HOLDER.

Dingestow’s new pairing of Andrew Biggs and Trevor Cobb proved formidable on Mat 2, losing only one end of the 15 to record a 32-2 scoreline.

Andrew Biggs was part of a winning partnership for Dingestow
Andrew Biggs was part of a winning partnership for Dingestow (Haydn Holder)

Mat 2 also proved profitable for the home team with the Triples match scoring 20-5, although both matches on Mat 1 were much tighter contests with the visitors leading at some point before the hosts managed to close out the wins.

Devauden moved into second, six points behind the leaders, with their own 10-0 home victory over Mathern, and, again, it was one of the pairs proving just too strong for the opposition, as Martin Shinton and Horace Kitson stormed to a 21-6 win.

They could move into top spot if they win their postponed match, away at Caerwent, although the latter humbled early leaders, Little Mill with another 10-0 home win last week.

Caerwent duo see off Little Mill pair 20-6

The Caerwent pair of Pauline Evans and Neil Price produced a notable score of 20-6 against the strong Little Mill pairing of Caleb Hilder and Tom Chaloner.

Third-placed Usk also have a game in hand after postponing their away match at Caldicot, although he latter will be hoping for a home win to improve their position in the league table.

As former league winners, Caldicot would love to return to their former glory, but find themselves slightly hampered by having only 10 players to choose from.

They are actually part of the U3A, and anyone in the Caldicot area who is already a member of U3A or who wishes to join would be welcome to swell the numbers.

Contact details can be found on the Monmouthshire Short Mat Bowls Association website.