LAST weekend Abergavenny played a ceremonial game to commemorate the fifty year continuous membership of Robert Poynter. The opposition was provided by other clubs within the East Monmouthshire Bowling Association. An afternoon of bowls was played, when each Abergavenny rink played against a rink from each of the EMBA clubs present.

This was followed by refreshments which were provided by Robert Poynter, his wife Anne and other members of his family and friends. A presentation was made to Robert Poynter by Abergavenny Bowls Club to mark the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary as a member of the club.

Abergavenny Bowls Club also played their first game in the Carruthers Cup when Belle Vue Park provided the opposition at Avenue Road. Abergavenny were victors on three rinks to win the game by 109 shots to 57.

John Beaton’s rink built a substantial early lead and then consolidated on this to win by 39 shots to 11. The rink of Anthony Moriarty held a one shot lead after seven ends. They then stamped their authority on the game to win by 30 shots to 14. Matthew Vale’s rink held a three shot lead after 17 ends. They went on to seal victory by scoring ten shots on four ends to win the game by 22 shots to 12. Unfortunately, Gethin Hill’s rink succumbed to their opponents but did well to battle back from a 14 shot deficit, eventually losing by 20 shots to 18.

Last week, Abergavenny played at Crickhowell in an EMBA game. Abergavenny won on one rink, drew on another and lost on the remaining two rinks to lose the game by one shot.

Abergavenny Ladies played at Blackwood last week. They were successful on one rink but lost on the other two rinks to lose the game by 37 shots to 31. The rink of Ceri Clark was successful for Abergavenny. They took command from the fifth end and went on to win by 12 shots to nine. Mary Evans’ rink was in the lead with five ends to play but then conceded eight shots over four ends to lose by 12 shots to 10. The rink of Judy Belli was never in contention after conceding eleven shots on the first six ends. They could never reduce their early deficit and lost by 16 shots to 9.

The Ladies also competed in the County Pairs Competition at Avenue Road. Of the four sets of players that entered only one pair was able to progress to the next round of the competition This will be held later in the season.

This weekend Abergavenny play their second game in the Carruthers Cup when they visit Blaenavon. The GBL team are also in action with a league game at Pontymister Welfare.