Croesyceiliog 62 RTB 95
RTB made a solid start to their 2008 Carruthers Shield campaign with a 33 shot victory against Division 1 rivals, Croesyceiliog. After a slow start to the game in difficult conditions, RTB exerted their dominance on the game. The four skipped by Robert Price overturned an 11-2 deficit after picking up two consecutive large counts on successive ends to take control of the game. The rink continued form strength to strength, and eventually ran out winners by a margin of 27-18. The S. Harris four started strong and continued in the same fashion, eventually running out 24-13 winners. The only losing rink on the day was that of JK Evans, who eventually lost 23-16 to R. Morgan. The comprehensive winners of the day was the four comprising of R. Harvey, A. Rigby, R. Silcox and J. Tomlinson who completed an emphatic 28-8 win. Final rink scores were as follows: R. Tomlinson 28 – 8 R. Berry; JK Evans 23 – 16 R. Morgan; S. Harris 24 – 13 K. Jones; and R. Price 27 – 18 M. O’Dwyer
Beaufort 79 RTB 75
In a disappointing start to the defence of their Gwent Bowls league Division 1 title, RTB slipped to a narrow defeat to the hands of local rivals Beaufort. The game was played in good spirits in a typically close local derby. Beaufort eventually took the lion’s share of the points with a 12-2 points win as the game was decided on the final few ends. Final score were as follows: B. Hopkins 23 J. Price 13; S. Baker 18 M.J. Lewis 19; B. Chambers 17 A. Edwards 23; D. Buffin 17 T. Dallenegra 24.
RTB 111 Monmouth 49
RTB continued their good run of form in the second group game of the Carruthers Shield, convincingly beating Monmouth by 62 shots. RTB took control of the game from a very early stage, with the rink of B. Daniels, J. Brown, W. Hughes and R. Price taking a 12-1 lead after just 5 ends and extending this lead to 23-1 by 10 ends. The opposing Monmouth four rallied in the second half of the game, but the difference was too great to overcome, with the RTB four finally running out convincing winners 33-9. The J. Tomlinson four once again made a strong start to the game, establishing a 19-2 lead after 10 ends. Once again, this proved to be enough and the rink eventually ran out 25-11 winners. After a comparably slower start, the four consisting of D. Baker, L. Thomas, R. Walters and JK Evans proved too strong for their opposition in the second half of the game, running out comfortable 34-11 winners. The closest rink on the day was that skipped by S. Harris, with the lead changing hands on many occasions. However, the RTB four held their nerve on the final end, picking up a single shot to win 19-18.
RTB 84 Belle Vue 57
After a disappointing start to the defence of their GBL title, RTB got back to winning ways with a 27 shot victory against Belle Vue, picking up 12 points in the process. After a slow start, the two teams were rarely separated by more than 8 shots at any time, until the final third of the game whereby the home side pulled away. The four comprising of I. Powell, M. Maunders, J. Hopkins and RJ Bull overcame a poor start, where they trailed 9-1, to produce a gritty display, fighting back to trail by 2 shots with 3 ends remaining and eventually winning the rink by a score of 21-18. The B. Hopkins four also produced a dogged display in a tightly fought contest, winning the rink 15-12. After trailing 16-9, the B. Birch four recovered well only to lose the rink on the final end of the game, 18-16. The most comprehensive performance of the day was that of T. Sefton, C. Cram, J. Norris and D. Buffin. After establishing an early 14-2 lead, their good form continued as they eased to a decisive 32-9 victory.
Brynmawr 53 RTB 77
RTB continued their good early season form with a 12-2 points victory in their first West Mon League encounter with Brynmawr. After a flying start by the away team, leading by 21 shots after just 5 ends and extending this lead to 30 shots by 10 ends, Brynmawr made a spirited recovery in the second half of the game. Despite an emphatic start by the rink skipped by S. Harris, leading 17-4 after 10 ends, the home rink skipped by D. Mogford made a strong comeback in the second half. The RTB four, however, held their nerve finally running out winners, 21-19. The R. Price four also made a solid start against the rink skipped by P. Carey, establishing an early 9-0 lead. The Brynmawr four rallied to trail by a single shot and picked up five shots on the final end to win 18-14. In a close fought contest, the P. Hayden four narrowly defeated the G. Congreve rink, 15-12. The decisive factor in the match was the rink of C. Wheeler, L. Thomas, R. Walters & JK Evans who ran out 27-4 winners against the I. Eason four.
RTB 72 Whiteheads 77
RTB only managed to pick up 4 points in their latest Gwent Bowls league fixture at home against Whiteheads. After a poor start, the home side were never able to fully recover. Despite trailing 19-1 after 10 ends, the B. Hopkins four rallied well in the second half of the game, fighting back to reduce the deficit to 24-17. After trailing 8-3 after 5 ends, the D. Buffin four won 5 of the next 6 ends, taking a 16-9 lead. However the Whiteheads four, skipped by C. Berry fought back well in the second half but the RTB four just edged the contest 19-18. In a tight game, the R. Bull four were 10-10 after 11 ends but after conceding 8 shots in 3 ends, they were never able to fully gain control of the game, eventually losing 16-22. The rink consisting of G. Knapman, HR Bull, B. Chambers & B. Birch produced a solid display, establishing an early lead of 10-3. After a steady second half, they eventually ran out 20-13 winners.
RTB would like to take this opportunity to wish S. Harris, JK Evans & J. Tomlinson all the best of luck for their forthcoming Welsh International trial at Llandrindod Wells.
RTB 72 Cwm 52
RTB picked up 12 of the 14 points available in this West Mon League clash. The score was very close for most of the game but the home side proved to be too strong for their local rivals in the final third of the match, running out winners by 20 shots overall. The J. Tomlinson four always looked in control from the start, running out 21-9 winners against R. Price. The JK Evans rink overcame the J. Williams four 20-13, after picking up 8 shots over the last four ends. The R. Silcox four had a similar result, picking up 6 shots over the last 5 ends to beat the J. Price four 18-10. Despite trailing 14-0 and 19-1 against the rink skipped by D. Badcock, the S. Harris four fought back well in the last third of the game, winning 6 of the last 7 ends to reduce the deficit to 20-13.
Nantyglo 47 RTB 74
RTB continued their recent good form and took another step towards the knockout stages of the Carruthers shield with a 27 shot victory at local rivals Nantyglo. The game was keenly contested with the teams rarely separated by 10 shots or more until the latter stages. After a slow start, trailing 9-3 against the T. Jacob four, the R. Price four produced a strong second half of bowling, eventually running out 17-13 winners. Once again, the rink of R. Harvey, A. Rigby, R. Silcox and J. Tomlinson were on top form, winning 22-5 against A. Williams. Despite letting a 12-4 lead slip and trailing 17-15 going into the last end, JK Evans executed a perfect weighted bowl to ditch the jack for the rink to pick up 3 shots and beat the J. Bray four, 18-17. The S. Harris rink also had a strong second half of the game to beat the R. Dando four, 17-12.
RTB 98 New Tredegar 59
RTB guaranteed their place in the knockout stages of the Carruthers Shield with a 39 shot victory over New Tredegar. After a slow start, the home side established a 10 shot lead by the halfway mark and gradually extended this throughout the second half. After a very poor start, trailing 10-1 after just 5 ends, the JK Evans four rallied well in the second half to draw the game 19-19 with I. Crowley. The J. Tomlinson four also made a slow start against A. Holpin, with the scores tied at 8-8 after 10 ends. However, the home side were far too strong in the second half, finally winning 26-13. The P. Hayden four made a solid start against the B. Brown four, establishing a lead of 15-3. After a brief fight back by the away team, the P. Hayden four eventually ran out 25-15 winners. The best performance on the day was that of H. Bull, M. Evans, W. Hughes and R. Price who ran out comfortable 28-12 winners against the G. Hook four.
RTB would like to wish JK Evans (RTB), J. Tomlinson (RTB), S. Harris (RTB) and Adrian Freeman (Blaenavon) all the best of luck for their forthcoming second Welsh International trials.
Blaina 74 RTB 82
In a typically hard-fought local derby, RTB took 12 of the available 14 points in this GBL clash. The game was very close throughout with only 3 shots separating the two teams after 18 ends of play. However it was the visitors that held their nerve in the latter ends, winning the match by 8 shots. Final rink scores were as follows: C. Wall 20-21 B. Chambers; C. Williams 16-21 JB Birch; M. Carey 14-23 B. Hopkins; and D. Thomas 24-17 D. Buffin.
Cross Keys 56 RTB 98
RTB continued their recent good form with a 42 shot win over Cross Keys. The game remained close in the early exchanges, with the away team opening up a 12 shot gap at the halfway stage. After a poor start, trailing 4-19 after 15 ends, the R. Silcox four rallied well in the latter stages of the match to lose 16-21. The R. Price four took an early lead against R. Bryant and never looked back, eventually winning 18-12. The rink skipped by J. Tomlinson made a solid start, establishing leads of 16-6, and 21-14 before picking up 12 shots in the last 6 ends to win 33-14 against T. Hancock. The four consisting of S. Baker, D. Baker, R. Walters and JK Evans started well, establishing a 17-4 lead at the halfway stage and continued this good form to eventually win 31-9 against the I. Slade four.
Brynmawr 61 RTB 95
RTB had the upper hand in this local derby, taking 12 of the 14 points available in this Gwent Bowls League fixture. After building a healthy lead of 31 shots after 10 ends, the deficit proved too much for the home side to overcome. The B. Hopkins four managed to edge out the rink skipped by L. Elias, 22-18. The B. Birch four ran out comfortable winners against J. Price, 30-14. After leading 20-2, the four consisting of R. Wakely, HR Bull, T. Sefton & B. Chambers ran out 31-10 winners against the B. Evans four. The only points for the home side came from the B. Price four, who beat R. Bull 19-12.
RTB 97 Ebbw Vale Welfare 30
RTB made an excellent start to their first of 4 games this week with an emphatic 67 shot win against local rivals Ebbw Vale Welfare in the MBA Cup. The final result was rarely in doubt as the home side opened up a 43 shot lead at the halfway stage. The J. Tomlinson four established an early 15-3 advantage and continued in good form in the second half to run out comfortable 27-6 winners against the C. Salkeld four. The rink consisting of B. Daniels, R. Brookman, P. Hayden and S. Harris also established a commanding early 15-0 lead and maintained this advantage throughout the remainder of the game, defeating the J. Short four, 28-5. Other rink scores were R. Price 25 – 11 R. Hayward; JK Evans 17 – 8 J. Ridley.
Nantyglo 48 RTB 80
RTB continued this good run of form with a solid 32 shot win against Nantyglo in the West Mon League, taking 12 of the 14 points available. Once again RTB had a solid start to the match, opening up a 22 shot lead at the halfway stage which proved too great for the home team to overcome. Final rinks scores were as follows: R. Silcox 19 – 11 J. Bray; P. Hayden 23 – 12 A. Williams; S. Harris 25 – 8 K. Harris; R. Price 13 – 17 T. Jacob.
Cwmbran Park 54 RTB 103
RTB made an emphatic start to their defence of the Monmouthshire Division 1 title with an outstanding 49 shot victory against Cwmbran Park, taking all of the 14 points available. The rink of R. Harvey, A. Rigby, R. Silcox and J. Tomlinson once again continued their excellent start to the season with a comfortable 30-7 win against A. Cooper. After a close first half, the JK Evans four pulled away in the final stages to defeat D. Cook 27-12. The R. Price four also exerted their dominance on the game in the second half, finally running out 22-15 winners against H. Rees. The four consisting of B. Daniels, R. Brookman, P. Hayden and S. Harris battled hard in the final third of the game, overturning a 13-20 deficit and winning the last 6 ends to run out 24-20 winners against R. Edwards.
RTB 83 Bedwas & Trethomas 73
RTB completed a successful week by taking 10 points in this Gwent Bowls League fixture. After taking an early 16-7 lead, the four consisting of I. Powell, W. Kirkby, B. Hopkins and B. Chambers maintained their good form to run out 29-14 winners. The A. Gummer four defeated D. Jones, 25-18. Other rink scores were (RTB first) JB Birch 17-19 M. Griffiths and D. Buffin 12-22 D. Stingmore.
RTB would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Steve Harris and Jonathan Tomlinson on being selected to represent Wales in the forthcoming International Series at Llandrindod Wells. Good luck!
RTB 95 Llanwern 43
RTB into the third round of the MBA knockout cup with a resounding 52 shot win over Llanwern. The game was tight in the early stages, with the home side opening up a 14-shot advantage after 11 ends. However, RTB proved far too strong in the second half. After a steady start, leading 10-6 after 12 ends, the rink of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price extended their lead to eventually win 24-8 against the M. Perrett four. The four consisting of D. Baker, S. Baker, R. Walters and JK Evans proved too strong for the B. Gatehouse rink, winning 29-5. Other rink scores were J. Tomlinson 20-13 A. Smith; S. Harris 22-17 D. Barnes.
RTB 86 Llandrindod Wells 67
RTB played their way into the last 32 of the Carruthers shield with this 19 shot win. After leading 11-6 after 11 ends, the rink of D. Baker, L. Thomas, R. Walters & JK Evans ran out 20-12 winners against the K. Stephens four. After enduring a tough first half from the visitors, the rink of R. Harvey, B. Daniels, J. Brown & R.Silcox won 24-13 against K. Price. Other rink scores were S. Harris 24-19 T. Evans; R. Price 18 B. Jones 23
Pontymister Welfare 68 RTB 76
After a poor start, the RTB side played a strong second half to take 12 of the 14 points available in this GBL encounter. Despite trailing 12-7 after 10 ends, the rink of R. Wakely, M. Maunders, M. Evans & Steve Baker managed to win 23-15. Other rink scores were D. Buffin 21- 18 M White; R.J. Bull 16-15 J. Mort; B. Birch 16-17 W. Mort.
Caldicot 59.75 RTB 101
After a solid first half, the RTB four of B. Cunningham, AK Price, B. Daniels & R. Bull ran out comfortable 35-18 winners against the R. Skinner four. After a solid start, the four of I. Powell, W. Kirkby, R. Dunning and B. Birch had a resounding 29-13 win over the A. Norris four. After a tight first 10-ends, with the game drawn 8-8, the four of D. McCarthy, T. Sefton, J. Hopkins and S. Baker won 8 of the last 11 ends to beat the P. Jenkins four 23-13. Other rink scores were B. Chambers 14-19 B. Evans.
Six Bells 67 RTB 86
RTB took 9 of the 14 points available in this West Mon league clash with local rivals, Six Bells. The away team made the better start, establishing a 16-shot lead after just 5 ends. The home side rallied in the latter stages but the deficit was too much to overcome. The L. Thomas four narrowly lost a closely fought encounter with L. Harber, 15-18. The R. Price four rallied in the latter stages against the T. Phelps rink, eventually losing 13-22. After a good start, the R. Walters rink couldn’t maintain their advantage against the D. Webley four. The rink was decided on the final bowl, with R. Walters drawing to make 3 shots and tie the rink 18-18. The decisive factor in the match was the rink of T. Sefton, RJ Bull, D. Baker and JK Evans who won 40-9 against the N. Silverthorne four.
Caldicot 49 RTB 94
RTB continued their excellent league form, taking all of the 14 points available from this MBA Division 1 fixture. RTB took an early lead of 27 shots after 10 ends and continued to press home this advantage, extending this lead to 48 shots after 15 ends. After a tight first half, the rink of R. Harvey, B. Daniels, J. Brown and R. Silcox finally defeated the A. Gripton four, 26-9. Other rink scores were (RTB first) R. Price 26 B. Howard 13; W. Hughes 20 I. Parsons 12; JK Evans 22 K. Nash 13.
Rhymney Royal 61 RTB 70
RTB qualified for the quarter finals of the MBA Knockout Cup with a hard fought 9-shot victory against Rhymney Royal at the War Memorial Park. The away team made the better start of the two sides, establishing an early 10 shot lead which they managed to maintain throughout the match, despite a few late surges from the home side. The final rink scores were as follows (RTB first): S. Harris 22 – A. Jenkins 11; R. Price 12 – JC Evans 19; R. Silcox 10 – P. Cosh 19; JK Evans 26 – K. Bartlett 12.
Chepstow 65 RTB 83
RTB continued their good form taking 10 of the available 14 points in this hard-fought Gwent Bowls League fixture. The early exchanges were extremely close with the scores level after 15 ends. However, the away team finished the stronger of the two sides, eventually winning by 18 shots. The D. Buffin four were just edged out of a close encounter, narrowly losing 18-17. Despite trailing 17-7 after 12 ends, the S. Baker four rallied in the latter stages, winning 8 of the last 9 ends to narrowly lose 18-17. The R.J. Bull four proved too strong for their opposition in the second half, eventually winning 22-14. After a strong start, establishing an early 14-3 lead, the rink consisting of G. Knapman, W. Kirkby, J. Hopkins and B. Chambers maintained their advantage to eventually run out 27-15 winners.
Brynmawr 62 RTB 63
RTB edged out local rivals in this Blaenau Gwent Cup first round game by a single shot. The game was played in good spirits despite the atrocious weather conditions, with the lead changing hands on a number of occasions. The S. Harris rink narrowly defeated the E. George four, 14-13. The rink consisting of C. Wheeler, R. Harvey, B. Birch and J. Tomlinson took an early lead and were able to maintain this advantage, winning 18-14 against the A. Williams four. After a tight game, the rink of T. Sefton, J. Hopkins, D. Baker and JK Evans score 4 shots on the final end of the match to win 21-17 against the P. Carey four. With the other three rinks off the green and the match all square, the W. Hughes four, trailing 18-9 against G. Congreve, held their nerve on the final end of the match to pick up a single shot to win the match.
RTB 102 Barbarians 117
RTB were privileged to receive this friendly fixture with the exclusive Barbarians side in recognition of the club’s 60th anniversary. The game was played in fantastic spirit in good conditions with the result going in the visitors favour. The president of the Barbarians this year is Brian Morgan from Nantyglo B.C.. RTB would like to congratulate Brian on this great honour and wish him all the best for the remainder of his tenure.
Blaina 74 RTB 79
RTB held off a strong second half fightback to take 10 of the 14 points available in this MBA Division 1 league encounter. The visitors established an early 12 shot advantage but the home side rallied in the second half. The game was finally decided on the last 3 ends of the match. The rink of A. Rigby, R. Brookman, J. Brown and S. Harris survived a strong comeback to run out winners, 22-16 against the D. Cording four. Other rink scores were (RTB first) JK Evans 20 – 18 M. Powell; J. Tomlinson 23 – 25 R. Underwood; and R. Price 14 – 15 S. Williams.
RTB 86 Beaufort 74
RTB secured 11 of the 14 points available with this 12 shot victory against local rivals Beaufort. The home side established a 14 shot advantage after 10 ends which proved too much for the visitors. The rink of D. McCarthy, C. Cram, J. Norris and D. Buffin had an emphatic 29-9 win over the R. Preece four. Other rink scores were (RTB first) RJ Bull 22 – 17 K. Lawrence; S. Baker 19 – 19 A. Edwards; and B. Chambers16 – 29 A. Dallenegra.
RTB 85 Blaina 44
After RTB edged out Blaina in last week’s nail-biting Monmouthshire Division 1 match, the return West Mon league match proved to be a different story as the home side recorded an emphatic 41 shot victory, taking all 14 points in the process. Both teams rested a number of players but the home side proved too strong for their local rivals. RTB established an early 14 shot lead at the halfway stage which proved too much to overcome. The four consisting of S. Baker, M. Maunder, L. Thomas and JK Evans led the way with an emphatic 24 – 5 victory over the B. Russell four. Other rink scores were as follows: J. Tomlinson 25 – 16 C. Wall; W. Hughes 19 – 9 D. Cording; and R. Silcox 17 – 14 J. Flowers.
RTB 79 Blackwood 40
RTB stormed into the semi finals of the MBA Knockout Cup on Friday evening with a 39 shot victory over MBA Division 1 rivals, Blackwood. The home side established an early 35 shot lead after just 10 ends which was too much for the visitors to recover from. The overall standard of bowling was excellent despite the difficult weather conditions. The rink of S. Baker, B. Birch, J. Tomlinson and R. Silcox exerted their dominance on the game from the first few ends, eventually running out 25 – 9 winners against the M. Davies four. Other rink scores were R. Price 18 – 8 H. Jenkins; S. Harris 18 – 12 M. Bidgway; and JK Evans 18 – 11 C. Jenkins.
RTB 90 Blackwood 73
With a groundhog day feeling, Blackwood returned to RTB on Saturday afternoon for the MBA Division 1 fixture. With much better bowling conditions, the fixture was highly competitive with the home side taking 10 of the 14 points available in a much closer contested match. With only 7 shots separating the two sides at the halfway stage, the game was delicately balanced. However, after 18 ends, RTB had made good use of their home advantage and extended this lead to 28 shots. Despite a late Blackwood surge, the deficit was too much to overcome and the home side ran out winners. The four of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price led the way with a match-winning result of 35 – 10 against the M. Bidgway four. Other rink scores were JK Evans 28 – 18 C. Jenkins; J. Tomlinson 16 – 20 H. Jenkins; and S. Harris 11 – D. Witchall 25.
Belle Vue 61 RTB 89
RTB secured 12 of the 14 points available with this 28 shot away victory against Belle Vue. With only 10 shots separating the sides at 18 ends, the visitors maintained a high standard of bowls to extend this advantage and guarantee the win. The four of G. Knapman, M. Maunder, J. Hopkins and B. Chambers defeated the P. Abrahams four, 24 – 11. The S. Baker four picked up counts of 4 and 6 shots on the last two ends to secure a well-earned 28-18 victory against M. Masters. Other rink scores were B. Hopkins 21 – 13 M. Lyons; and RJ Bull 16 – 19 J. Sommers.
RTB 89 Llanhilleth 56
RTB took the maximum 14 points available in this West Mon fixture against Llanhilleth with a solid team performance. The home side made the better start, establishing a 29 shot lead after just 10 ends and maintained this lead for the remainder of the fixture. Final rink scores were R. Silcox 27 – T. Tranter 19; JK Evans 18 – L. Bowen 11; W. Hughes 20 – M. Blanchard 11; and R. Price 24 – B. Green 15.
Beaufort 85 RTB 75
In a reversal of fortune, RTB lost their unbeaten league run with this local derby defeat by Beaufort, taking only 4 of the 14 points available. RTB made the better start, opening up a 13 shot advantage in the early exchanges on an exceptionally fast surface. However, the home team dominated the second half eventually running out 10 shot winners. The four of R. Harvey, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson ran out 26-12 winners against the D. O’Callaghan four. The JK Evans four lost 30-11 against the four of D. Greenhouse, C. Sutherland, D. Davies (Jnr) and D. Davies. The R. Price four lost 22-14 against C. Williams. RTB’s only other points came from the S. Harris four in a nail-biting finish to the match. The RTB four of B. Daniels, R. Brookman, J. Brown and S. Harris saw an early 14-5 advantage slip away to trail 15-21 against the T. Daniel four with 2 ends remaining. However, a 7 shot count on the penultimate end saw them edge in front with the last end to play. The game was decided on the last bowl, with S. Harris, facing a match lie against him, moving the jack to make a 2 count for the visitors.
RTB 96 Chepstow 35
RTB stormed into the final of the MBA Knockout Cup on Friday evening, with an emphatic 61 shot victory against second division opponents, Chepstow. The result never looked in doubt as RTB opened up a 51 shot lead at the halfway stage. The rink consisting of D. Baker, B. Daniels, R. Walters and JK Evans dominated the match from the start, running out comprehensive 34-3 winners against the M. Dick four. The four of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price finished strongly, winning 29-9 against A. Starr. Other rink scores were S. Harris 19 – 9 P. Williams; and J. Tomlinson 14 – 14 C. Davies. RTB will face Rhymney Gwent in the final.
RTB 100 Cross Keys 51
Following their success in the cup the previous night, RTB maintained their excellent league form with a 49 shot victory over Cross Keys, taking all of the 14 points available from the fixture. After a slow start, the home team established a 13 shot lead by the halfway stage. The four of R. Harvey, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson ran out convincing 31-8 winners against the S. Bushell four. Other rink scores were JK Evans 23 – 18 A. Bushell; S. Harris 22 – 12 N. Bushell; and R. Price 24 – 13 I. Slade.
RTB 64 Rhymney Gwent 54
RTB won the MBA Knockout Cup final with a hard-fought 10 shot victory against Rhymney Gwent. After a poor start, RTB found themselves trailing by 13 shots after 4 ends but managed to overcome this deficit by the halfway stage, leading by 2 shots. RTB managed to extend this lead to 14 shots but a spirited performance by the Rhymney Gwent bowlers saw this lead reduced to a single shot with 4 ends left to play. However, the RTB players dug deep to run out 10-shot winners. Final rink scores were S. Baker, D. Baker, R. Walters, and JK Evans 21 – 9 A. Wysoczanskyj; R. Harvey, B. Birch, L. Thomas, and J. Tomlinson 20 – 9 N. Tippett; B. Daniels, R. Brookman, J. Brown, and S. Harris 16 – 11 D. Thomas; H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Silcox 7 – 25 D. Duggan.
RTB 110 Abercarn 55
RTB continued their excellent form to extend their lead at the top of MBA Division 1 with a 55 shot victory over Abercarn, taking all of the 14 points available. After a steady start, leading 7-6 after 9 ends, the rink of R. Harvey, B. Daniels, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson dominated the second half of the match, winning 34 – 8 against the R. Peart four. The four of A. Rigby, D. Baker, R. Walters and R. Silcox ran out convincing 35 – 17 winners against the K. Driscoll four. Other rink scores were W. Hughes 22 – 15 G. Crewe; and R. Price 19 -15 K. Hunt.
Croesyceiliog 42 RTB 64
RTB finished the week with a valuable 22 shot win at Croesyceiliog in a rain-affected match, taking 12 of the 14 points available. Due to the severity of the weather, the match was reduced to 15 ends. It was the away team that started strongest, establishing an early 16 shot advantage. The four of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price produced an excellent display of bowls in truly awful conditions to win 23 – 8. Other rink scores were as follows: R. Silcox 11 – 10 M. O’Dwyer; JK Evans 16 – 8 R. Berry; and J. Tomlinson 14 – 16 K. Jones.
RTB 91 Whiteheads 27
RTB took another step closer to successfully defending their MBA Division 1 title and also winning a league-cup double with an emphatic 64 shot victory over Whiteheads, taking all of the 14 points available. In a rain-affected match, the home side took the early advantage, establishing a 28 shot lead after just 5 ends. As the weather worsened, the RTB players went from strength to strength and substantially increased their lead. The rink of I. Powell, B. Daniels, R. Silcox and S. Harris proved too strong for the P. Edinborough four, with an emphatic 30-2 victory. Other rink scores were as follows: JK Evans 20 – 8 K. Richard; J. Tomlinson 20 – 8 M. Strange; and R. Price 21 – 9 N. Berry.
RTB 88 Pontymister Welfare 64
RTB continued their good run of form in the Gwent Bowls League with a comfortable 24 shot victory over Pontymister Welfare, taking 12 of the 14 points available. As the home side raced away to an early 21 shot lead, the visitors found this deficit too great to overcome. The four of I. Powell, W. Cross, J. Hopkins and B. Chambers established a 23 – 8 lead against the J. Mort four, and despite a late rally by the visiting four, the lead proved to be insurmountable, with the home four running out 26 – 15 winners. Other rink scores were as follows: B. Hopkins 22 – 12 W. Mort; D. Baker 21 – 16 G. Vaughan; and S. Baker 19 – 21 C. Williams.
Brynmawr 64 RTB 82
RTB clinched the MBA Division 1 title with this victory over second-placed local rivals, Brynmawr, taking 12 of the 14 points available. In a typically hard-fought local derby, the away team made the better start, leading by 10 shots at the halfway stage. RTB continued the pressure in the second half of the match to maintain their advantage, eventually running out winners by 18 shots. The victory has sealed a league and cup double for RTB after an excellent season, with one league game remaining. The rink of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price proved too strong for the O. Dando four, winning 24 – 10. Other rink scores were S. Harris 20 -18 A. Williams; J. Tomlinson 20 – 14 G. Congreve; and JK Evans 18 – 22 E. George.
RTB would like to congratulate S. Harris for his selection in the Test Match squad to face England at Westlecott Bowling Club, Swindon on 16th-17th September.