Four teams gathered at The Memorial Hall, Usk, on Saturday to contest the semi-finals and final of the Monmouthshire Short Mat Bowls Association Spring Triples.

In the semi-finals, Caerwent established an early lead against Dingestow and resisted any attempts at a come-back to win 11-4.

Meanwhile, Caldicot were in a tighter battle with Magor and it was Magor who managed to hold on to win 8-6.

In the final, Caerwent, again, took an early lead before Magor struck back on the fourth end to reduce the deficit to 2-5. Shots changed hands regularly, with fine shots from all the players, but, particularly from the two skips. However, despite some fine shots from Magor’s Pam Simpson, it was Caerwent and Neil Price who prevailed, taking the final score to 11-2.

Short mat bowls is a popular indoor sport that adapts traditional lawn bowls for smaller spaces, making it ideal for community halls, clubs, and leisure centres. The game is played on a flat mat, usually between 30 and 45 feet long, with a wooden block placed in the centre to add an extra challenge. Players deliver biased bowls that curve as they travel, aiming to finish as close as possible to a smaller target ball known as the jack.

Because of the shorter distance, accuracy and control are more important than power, and players must carefully judge both line and weight. Matches can be played in singles, pairs, triples, or fours, allowing for flexibility and teamwork. Short mat bowls is known for its friendly, social atmosphere while still offering a competitive edge. It is especially popular in the UK and continues to attract players of all ages and abilities.