Merthyr West End 60 RTB 96
RTB made a solid start to the 2009 season with a 36-shot victory over Merthyr West End in this friendly fixture. The away team gained a slight early advantage during the opening exchanges and steadily built their lead throughout the match. Final rink scores were: R. Price 22-15 C. Maycock; P. Hayden 23-11 T. Magness; JK Evans 28-13 J. Evans; S. Harris 23-21 C. Rees.
RTB 109 Croesyceiliog 48
RTB made an emphatic start to this seasons Carruthers shield campaign with an impressive 61 shot victory over Croesyceiliog. The home team led from the very first end and steadily maintained the pressure throughout. The four consisting of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price gained an early advantage, leading 16-4 at the half way stage. Their solid performances ensured that they eventually ran out 31-10 winners against the P. Silverthorne rink. The S. Harris four also started strongly, leading 20-6 after just 10 ends, and proved too strong over the second half of the match finally winning by 29-11 against the G. Sutherland four. Other rink scores were: JK Evans 27-14 R. Berry; J. Tomlinson 22-13 K. Jones.
RTB would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jonathan Tomlinson for his recent success in winning the Welsh Indoor Triples with two of his Islwyn team mates, M. Selway & I. Henderson.
RTB would also like to congratulate J. Tomlinson, S. Harris, JK Evans (RTB) and Adrian Freeman (Blaenavon) for their inclusion in the forthcoming Welsh Outdoor trial squad.
Monmouth 44 RTB 107
RTB continued their solid start to the Carruther’s Shield campaign with an emphatic 63 shot victory over Monmouth. After a slow start, trailing 1-5 after 5 ends, the S. Harris four won 10 of the next 11 ends to open up a 26-6 advantage. This proved too much for the R. Green four with the visiting team running out 27-11 winners. The four of S. Baker, R. Walters, R. Silcox and J.K. Evans proved too strong for the C. Hawkins four and eventually ran out 32-10 winners. Other rink scores were R. Price 26 – T. Parker 11; J. Tomlinson 22 - H. Anstey 15.
RTB 90 Brynmawr 50
RTB were in fine form in this opening West Mon fixture with a 40 shot victory over local rivals, Brynmawr. The home side took control of the match from the opening few ends, establishing a 22 shot lead by the halfway stage. The four of I. Powell, D. Buffin, R. Silcox & JK Evans established an early 13-5 advantage. The home rink continued their fine form in the second half, eventually running out 27-6 winners against the G. Congreve four. Other rink scores were R. Price 20 – R. Cooper 13, S. Harris 24 – O. Dando 10, and J. Tomlinson 19 – A. Williams 15.
Pontymister Welfare 51 RTB 119
RTB made an emphatic start to their Gwent Bowls league campaign with a comprehensive 68 shot victory over Pontymister Welfare. The visiting team were in control from the early stages of the match and readily established a 25 shot advantage after just 7 ends. The four of I. Powell, AK Price, J. Norris and D. Buffin maintained their fine form and eventually ran out 36-12 winners against the W. Mort four. After a solid start, the rink of B. Daniels, R. Dunning, M. Lewis and RJ Bull proved too strong for the S. Prince four, with a final winning margin of 33-9. Other rinks scores were S. Baker 28 – J. Slade 17; B. Willis 22 – G. Dark 13.
Cwm 50 RTB 66
RTB made a solid start to their West Mon League campaign, taking 12 points from this local derby. In a closely fought contest, with only 2 shots separating the two sides at the halfway stage, the visitors proved too strong in the second half, eventually winning by 16 shots. The four of H. Bull, R. Brookman, L. Thomas and W. Hughes played a crucial role in the final result as they eventually ran out 19-9 winners against the D. Williams four. Other rink scores were (RTB first) S. Harris 15 – 9 G. Suter; P. Hayden 18 – 15 A. Price; R. Silcox 14 – 17 A. King.
RTB 101 Nantyglo 36
RTB continued their impressive form and took a step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Carruthers’ shield with a comprehensive 65 shot victory against Nantyglo. In a rain affected match, the home side exerted their dominance from the start, establishing a 34 shot lead after just 5 ends. The rink of D. Baker, J. Brown, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson eventually ran out 34-8 winners against the J. Bray four. The four of H. Bull, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price also dominated from the start of the match, eventually winning 28-3 against the K. Titford four. Other rink scores were (RTB first) S. Harris 22 – 12 K. Howells; JK Evans 17 – 13 R. Dando.
Bedwas & Trethomas 69 RTB 98
In their second Gwent Bowls league fixture, RTB claimed 12 of the 14 points available against Bedwas & Trethomas. The visitors claimed the early advantage in the match, leading by 17 shots at the halfway stage. The rink of R. Wakely, W. Kirkby, C. Jones and B. Willis were in fine form as they eventually ran out 31 – 13 winners against the D. Jones four. Other rink scores were (RTB first) B. Chambers 27 – 15 W. Davies; RJ Bull 19 – 18 N. Bushen; D. Buffin 21 – 23 K. James.
RTB would like to congratulate Steve Harris and Jonathan Tomlinson for their selection in the forthcoming second Welsh International trial to be held at Llandrindod Wells on May 31st.
RTB 61 Ebbw Vale Welfare 58
In a hard fought local derby, RTB edged the final result with a 3 shot victory over Ebbw Vale Welfare in this West Mon encounter. The match was a tight affair throughout with neither side really managing to establish a comfortable lead. The four of T. Sefton, M. Maunder, S. Harris and J. Tomlinson proved to be the decisive factor, winning 25-7 against the J. Short four. Despite trailing 11-1 after just 5 ends, the R. Price four rallied to reduce the deficit, eventually losing 12 – 17 to the rink skipped by R. Hayward. Other rink score were JK Evans 11 – 17 J. Ridley, and P. Hayden 13 – 17 R. Takel.
New Tredegar 51 RTB 103
RTB guaranteed their place in the knockout stages of the Carruthers’ shield with an emphatic 52 shot victory over New Tredegar. After a slow start, the visiting team took control of the match, establishing a 24 shot lead at the halfway stage. The four of D. Baker, J. Brown, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson led the way with an emphatic 41 – 6 victory over the G. Hook four. After establishing a healthy 19-4 advantage, the JK Evans four withstood a late rally and eventually finished 23-11 winners against the rink skipped by A. Holpin. Despite trailing 5 – 10 after 12 ends, the four skipped by S. Harris proved too strong and eventually ran out 17 – 13 winners against I. Crowley. Despite trailing for most of the match, the R. Price four picked up a single shot on the final end of the game to beat the B. Simmonds four, 22 – 21.
Belle Vue 37 RTB 126
RTB were in excellent form in this Gwent Bowls League fixture with a crushing 89-shot victory over Belle Vue, taking all 14 points available. After establishing a 34 shot lead at the halfway stage, the visitors exerted their dominance in the second half with some excellent bowling. Despite trailing 0 – 12 after 9 ends, the B. Chambers four fought back in the second half and eventually ran out 20 – 16 winners against the A. Whiting four, guaranteeing the maximum 14 points in the process. In an outstanding team performance, the rink consisting of B. Daniels, B. Cunningham, M. Lewis and RJ Bull beat the A. Pearce four 36 – 7, the rink of I. Powell, G. Knapman, J. Norris and D. Buffin ran out 34 – 6 winners against the C. Munkley four, and the rink of R. Wakely, W. Kirkby, C. Jones and B. Willis defeated the D. Piddigton rink, 36 -8.
RTB 76 Beaufort 56
In what was arguably the tie of the round, defending champions RTB stormed into the last 16 of the MBA Knockout Cup with a hard earned 20 shot victory over local rivals, Beaufort. After 5 ends, RTB held a slender 6 shot lead and continued the pressure throughout. The four of D. Baker, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson were in fine form from the start, establishing a 21-3 lead against the C. Williams four. This proved too great a deficit to overcome in the remaining ends and despite a late rally by the visitors, the RTB four held on for a well deserved 24-9 victory. The rink of S. Baker, R. Walters, R. Silcox and JK Evans were also in excellent form against the rink skipped by J. Foote, establishing a 21-9 lead with 3 ends remaining. An excellent bowl by JK Evans on the following end resulted in 7 shots to the home side and a further 4 shots on the last 2 ends saw the home rink eventually run out 32-9 winners. With an outstanding performance by the rink skipped by D. Davies (Jnr), the RTB rink skipped by R. Price eventually lost 6 – 23. Other rink scores were S. Harris 14 – 15 C. Klefenz.
Llandrindod Wells 72 RTB 83
RTB booked a place in the last 32 of the Carruthers shield with a well-earned 11 shot victory against Llandrindod Wells. The visitors were in excellent form from the very start of the match, establishing a 22 shot lead by the halfway stage. The four of D. Baker, J. Brown, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson were in excellent form establishing a commanding 27 – 1 lead. The home side rallied late in the game, eventually reducing the deficit to 29 – 14. The JK Evans four started well, leading 9 – 2 after 8 ends. However, the home rink skipped by B. Jones fought back to take a 9 – 13 advantage. The visitors rallied in the latter stages, winning 6 of the last 8 ends to eventually run out 18 – 17 winners. The R. Price four fought back from a 8 – 14 deficit, winning 6 of the last 9 ends to level the match at 17 – 17 against the rink skipped by K. Price. After a solid start, the rink skipped by S. Harris eventually succumbed to the K. Stephens four, losing 19-24. RTB will now face Harlequins at RTB in the last 32 of the competition.
RTB would like to wish Steve Harris and Jonathan Tomlinson good luck for the forthcoming British Isles International series.
Abertillery 62 RTB 75
RTB kept their hopes of the West Mon league title alive by taking the maximum 14 points against Abertillery. The visitors made the stronger start, leading by 15 shots at the halfway stage, largely due to the four of D. Baker, M. Maunder, L. Thomas and R. Silcox racing away to a 15 – 3 lead against the R. Cook four. However, the home four rallied in the latter stages of the match to reduce the deficit to 19 – 13. Other rink scores were (RTB first) R. Price 16 – 15 W. Davies, JK Evans 20 – 17 R. Bowdler, and P. Hayden 20 – 17 G. Hucker.
Newbridge 47 RTB 76
RTB qualified for the last 8 in the MBA Cup with a 29 shot victory over Newbridge. The rink of D. Baker, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson were in fine form, defeating the T. Parker four, 29 – 11. Despite a poor start, the R. Price four battled from 0 – 9 to reduce the deficit to just 4 shots, losing 11 – 15 to the M. Jones four. Other rink scores were P. Hayden 20 – 12 B. Porter, and JK Evans 16 – 9 E. Harding. RTB will now face MBA Division 1 rivals, Bedwas and Trethomas, in the quarter finals.
RTB 64 Aberdare Harlequins 69
In a hard-fought and tense match, RTB bowed out of the Carruther’s shield with a 5 shot defeat to Aberdare Harlequins. Despite the poor weather conditions, an excellent standard of bowling took place with less than 10 shots separating both sides throughout the match and the lead changing hands on many occasions. The four of R. Brookman, A. Gummer, P. Hayden, and S. Harris proved too strong for the D. Giles four, winning 5 of the last 6 ends to win 19 – 14. The rink of D. Baker, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson were too strong for the M. Jones four, winning 19 – 13. A late rally by the R. Price four saw them reduce a 4 – 18 deficit against the rink skipped by C. Prosser, eventually losing 12 – 21. The JK Evans four saw an early 9 – 2 advantage slowly slip away in the wet conditions as they eventually lost 14 – 21 against J. Male.
Chepstow 86 RTB 71
RTB’s fortunes did not get any better as they only managed to secure 2 of the 14 points available in this Gwent Bowls League fixture. The rink of I. Powell, AK Price, J. Norris and D. Buffin gave the visitors their only points with a 29 – 12 victory over the R. Watts four. Other rink scores were B. Chambers 16 – 23 D. Lewis, A. Rigby 12 – 23 G. Hobbs, and B. Hopkins 14 – 28 D. Handscomb.
RTB 68 Blaina 43
To complete a busy weekend, RTB took 12 of the 14 points available in this rain-affected GBL fixture. The rink of HR Bull, T. Sefton, J. Hopkins and B. Hopkins dominated from the start, defeating the D. Daniels four, 23 – 6. The B. Chambers four edged a hard-fought 13 – 12 victory against C. Wall. The four of M. Harvey, W. Kirkby, S. Baker and C. Jones defeated the D. Thomas four, 17 – 6. Blaina’s only points were secured by the C. Williams four as they defeated the D. Buffin four, 15 – 19.
RTB 76 Blaina 50
RTB earned a quarter final spot in the Blaenau Gwent Cup with a 26 shot victory over Blaina. The four consisting of M. Lewis, M. Maunder, D. Baker and R. Silcox were in excellent form from the start and eventually ran out 23 – 5 winners against the D. Cording four. After a slow start, the W. Hughes four won 7 of the last 9 ends to beat the B. Russell four, 20 – 15. Other rink scores were S. Harris 21 – 14 J. Griffiths, and R. Walters 12 – 16 R. Underwood.
RTB 66 Beaufort 62
RTB maintained their West Mon title hopes as they narrowly defeated the league leaders Beaufort in this local derby, claiming 12 of the 14 points available in the process. Both sides were undefeated before the match, with Beaufort having only conceded a single point in their previous 7 matches. RTB made the stronger start, leading by 12 shots at the halfway stage. The rink of H. Bull, W. Hughes, R. Silcox and JK Evans withstood a late rally by the T. Daniels four to win 21 – 15. The visitors’ only points came from the D. Davies four as they defeated the S. Harris rink 10 – 20. Other rink scores were as follows (RTB first): J. Tomlinson 19 – 14 D. Davies (Jnr), and R. Price 16 – 13 C. Williams. RTB now trail league leaders Beaufort by a single point with both teams having 2 matches remaining.
RTB 97 Blaina 44
RTB took all of the 14 points available in this Monmouthshire Division 1 encounter. The home side made a flying start, leading by 26 shots after just 5 ends. The rink of R. Harvey, R. Brookman, P. Hayden and S. Harris emphatically defeated the P. Roberts four, 32 – 10. The J. Tomlinson four led 12 – 1 after just 5 ends against the P. Wheeler four. However, as the weather conditions deteriorated, the visitors fought back to level the scores at 14 – 14 with 7 ends remaining. However, the RTB four held on to secure maximum points for the home team. Other rinks scores were R. Silcox 25 – 10 D. Cording, and R. Price 20 – 8 M. Powell.
Blaina 69 RTB 78
RTB kept their hope of the West Mon league title alive by taking 12 of the 14 points available in this hard-fought local derby, setting up a nail-biting finish to the league. The four of I. Powell, S. Baker, R. Brookman and R. Walters were in fine form, defeating the rink skipped by P. Roberts, 21 – 12. The R. Silcox four held their nerve in the final few ends to edge the C. Wall four, 18 – 16. The S. Harris rink were narrowly defeated 16 – 20 by the C. Powell four. The rink skipped by L. Thomas dug deep in the final end of the match to defeat the D. Cording four, 23 – 21. An outstanding bowl from Thomas removed the Blaina shot bowl and ensured the final 2 points went to the visitors. RTB now have a 1 point lead in the league over rivals Beaufort as both teams play their final matches this week.
RTB 68 Bedwas & Trethomas 57
RTB earned a semi-final place in the MBA Cup with an 11-shot victory over Bedwas & Trethomas. An excellent performance by the rink of D. Baker, B. Birch, W. Hughes and R. Silcox ensured that the home side ran out 18 – 10 winners against the A. Thomas four. After trailing 10 – 12, the rink of H. Bull, S. Baker, R. Walters and L. Thomas won 4 of the last 5 ends to secure a 19 -13 victory over the C. Griffiths four. Other rink score were as follow (RTB first): S. Harris 15 – 17 GT Griffiths, and R. Price 16 – 17 SP Griffiths. RTB will now face local rivals Brynmawr in the semi finals.
Blackwood 58 RTB 97
RTB took all of the 14 points available in this MBA Division 1 league fixture. The rink of D. Baker, A. Gummer, R. Walters and R. Price were in control from the start of the match and eventually ran out comfortable 29 – 10 winners against the D. Witchell four. Likewise, the R. Silcox four also started well, leading 13 – 1 after 8 ends. After enduring a comeback that saw the home four reduce the deficit to 5 shots, the visitors once again took control and eventually defeated the C. Jenkins four, 25 – 13. Other rink scores were (RTB first): S. Harris 22 – 19 H. Jenkins, and J. Tomlinson 21 – 16 M. Bidgway.
RTB 75 Cwmbran Park 37
In a rain-affected match, RTB took 13 of the 14 points available in this MBA Division 1 fixture. The home side were in outstanding form from the start of the match, establishing a commanding 28 shot advantage after just 5 ends. After conceding 5 shots on the first two ends, the four of H. Bull, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson took control of the match, eventually defeating the B. Relland four, 25 – 8. The rink consisting of R. Harvey, R. Brookman, P. Hayden and S. Harris dominated the D. Cook four from the start of the match, and ran out comfortable 22 – 5 winners. After an excellent start, leading 10 – 0 after 5 ends, the R. Price four withstood a late rally by the H. Rees four to win 14 – 10. The visitors salvaged a point as the A. Cooper four picked up 2 shots on the final end to draw 14 – 14 with JK Evans.
RTB 112 Pontymister Welfare 39
RTB took all 14 points available in this one-sided Gwent Bowls League fixture. The home side were in outstanding form, leading by 42 shots at the halfway stage. The home side then extended this advantage to win by an impressive 73 shots. The four of R. Wakely, T. Sefton, J. Hopkins and B. Chambers dominated the D. Prothero four, winning 37 – 5. The rink of I. Powell, AK Price, J. Norris and A. Rigby were also impressive as they defeated the J. Slade four, 31 – 9. Other rink score were as follows (RTB first): B. Hopkins 23 – 12 W. Mort, and B. Willis 21 – 13 M. Allen.
RTB 74 Cross Keys 50
RTB successfully defended the MBA County Championship last Friday night with a hard earned victory over Cross Keys at Blaenavon B.C. After a closely fought first half, which saw RTB trailing by 6 shots, the defending champions managed to finish the stronger of the two sides eventually running out winners by 24 shots. The four of D. Baker, A. Gummer, R. Walters and R. Silcox managed to edge a well-earned 17 – 15 victory over the I. Slade four. After a good start, the four of H. Bull, A. Rigby, B. Birch and S. Harris saw their advantage reduced but eventually ran out 17 – 11 winners over the rink skipped by S. Bushell. An excellent performance by the rink of B. Daniels, S. Baker, J. Brown and JK Evans saw them defeat the T. Hancock four, 22 – 13. After a poor start, the four of R. Harvey, R. Brookman, W. Hughes and L. Thomas produced a solid display to beat the A. Bushell four, 18 – 11.
RTB 98 Abergavenny Avenue 61
Following the success of the previous evening, RTB continued their fine form and maintain their position at the top of the MBA Division 1 with a 37 shot victory over Abergavenny, taking the maximum 14 points in the process. The home side took control of the match from the start and established a comfortable 31 shot advantage after 10 ends. The rink of D. Baker, A Gummer, R. Walters and R. Price were in excellent form as they defeated the I Jenkins four, 27 – 15. The four of S. Baker, W. Hughes, R. Silcox and JK Evans comprehensibly defeated the K. Richards four, 25 – 14. Other rink scores were as follows: J. Tomlinson 29 – 20 R. Poynter, and S. Harris 17 – 12 D. Bailey.
Rhymney Royal 40 RTB 98
RTB clinched the 2009 West Mon League in emphatic style with a comprehensive 58-shot victory over Rhymney Royal. The visitors needed 12 of the 14 points available to overtake Beaufort and capture the title. The R. Price four made a flying start, establishing a 21 – 2 advantage over the K. Bartlett four. However, the home rink rallied in the latter stages of the match to reduce the deficit to 25 – 12. After a slow start, the other three visiting rinks took control of the match with the S. Harris four defeating the T. Ryan four, 20 – 12, and the JK Evans four defeating P. Cosh, 24 – 6. The rink of B. Daniels, J. Brown, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson completed the rout with a 29 – 10 victory over the D. Hann four, earning the visitors the maximum 14 points available.
Chepstow 73 RTB 76
Following their midweek success, RTB were pushed to the limit in this MBA Division 1 fixture against Chepstow. After a poor start, the visitors found themselves trailing by 26 shots after just 5 ends. As the visitors gradually settled in to the conditions, the second half of the match saw RTB claw their way back into the match and overturn the deficit to earn a hard-fought, 3 shot victory in a nail-biting finish. The P. Hayden four saw a 19 – 10 advantage disappear as the M. Dick four rallied late in the match to level the scores at 20 – 20. An outstanding performance by the rink of H. Bull, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson saw them overturn an early 0 – 8 deficit to defeat the C. Davies four, 28 – 11 and set up the victory for the visitors. Other rink scores were (RTB first): R. Price 16 – 19 A. Starr, and JK Evans 12 – 23 K. Bolton.
Blaina 65 RTB 79
RTB continued their GBL campaign with a 14 shot victory over local rivals, Blaina, claiming 10 of the 14 points available. True to form in such local derbies, 3 of the rinks saw a small margin separate themselves from victory or defeat. The rink of I. Powell, G. Knapman, J. Norris and D. Buffin paved the way to victory for the visitors with a 29 – 12 defeat of the D. Daniels four. The B. Willis four edged a 19 – 17 advantage against the J. Kitt four. Other rink scores were (RTB first): A. Rigby 16 – 17 C. Wall, and M. Lewis 15 – 19 H. Knight.
Cross Keys 69 RTB 70
RTB earned 10 of the 14 points available in this hard fought MBA Division 1 match, maintaining their unbeaten league record in the process. After a flying start, leading 12 – 1 after 8 ends, the S. Harris four saw their advantage slowly slip away as they were finally defeated 14 – 17 by the T. Hancock four. Outstanding performances by the Cross Keys bowlers, Norman Bushell and Ian Slade saw the RTB rink skipped by JK Evans succumb to a heavy 6 – 27 defeat. However, the RTB rink skipped by R. Price reduced the deficit by defeating the A. Bushell four, 20 – 12. With RTB trailing by 3 shots overall and one rink left on the green, it was left to the four of H. Bull, B. Birch, L. Thomas and J. Tomlinson to perform the final end heroics as darkness started to fall. An outstanding bowl by Thomas to ditch the white left the visitors holding the four shots they required for victory, winning the rink 30 – 12.
RTB 83 Brynmawr 68
RTB took another step closer to retaining their MBA Division 1 league title with a 15 shot victory over local rivals, Brynmawr. The home team edged the early exchanges and established a narrow 10-shot advantage after 10 ends. In a reversal of fortune from the previous night, the rink of S. Baker, W. Hughes, R. Silcox and JK Evans led the way to victory with a 27 – 16 win over the E. George four. After leading 9 – 1, the S. Harris withstood a spirited fightback by the A. Williams four to win 18 – 14. The R. Price four edged a 22 – 20 encounter against O. Dando to secure 12 of the 14 points available for RTB. Brynmawr’s 2 points were earned as the G. Congreve four defeated the J. Tomlinson four 18 – 16 on the very last end.
Caldicot 80 RTB 68
RTB lost a little ground in the Gwent Bowls League title chase as they slipped to a 12-shot defeat at Caldicot, earning 4 points in the process. The rink of I. Powell, AK Price, J. Norris and D. Buffin gave the visitors a chance of victory with an impressive 21 – 8 victory against the D. Skinner four. The B. Hopkins four were tied at 16 – 16 with the rink skipped by L. Carpenter with four ends remaining. However, the visitors won 3 of the last 4 ends to secure a 20 – 17 victory. The home side proved too strong on the day as the remaining two rinks both picked up several counts over the last 5 ends to give Caldicot the overall win. Other rink scores were as follows (RTB first): B. Chambers 13 – 28 K. Gibbs, C. Jones 13 – 27 S. Stephenson.
Pontymister Athletic 73 RTB 69
RTB lost their unbeaten record in this Monmouthshire Division 1 clash with Pontymister Athletic, taking only 3 of the 14 points available and setting up a nail biting finish to the league. With the home side desperate for points to ensure their league survival and the visitors hoping to take a step further to winning their third consecutive MBA title, all was at stake. The two sides were rarely separated by more than a few shots throughout the entire match. At the halfway stage, RTB led by the slender margin of 2 shots. The four of D. Baker, A. Gummer, J. Brown and R. Price led the way establishing a 14 – 4 advantage after 12 ends against the P. Huntley four. However, the home four rallied in the latter exchanges to reduce the deficit, eventually losing 18 – 14. The S. Harris four trailed 6 – 9 after 11 ends but managed to overturn this deficit to lead 19 – 11 with 3 ends remaining.
Blaenavon 77 RTB 88
RTB maintained their hopes of a third successive MBA Division 1 title and a league/cup double by taking 12 points from this penultimate league fixture. The rink of R. Wakely, A. Gummer, W. Hughes and R. Price were in excellent form as they stormed to a 27 – 11 victory against the A. Brown four. The JK Evans four proved to strong for the K. Davies four in the latter stages as they pulled away to win by a margin of 23 – 14. Other rink scores were (RTB first) R. Silcox 25 – 22 S. Probert, L. Thomas 13 – 30 A. Freeman.
The final league fixture sees RTB play host to second placed local rivals, Beaufort, with RTB requiring just 4 points to retain their title and secure the league / cup double.
RTB 82 Beaufort 70
RTB took a step closer to winning the Gwent Bowls League by taking 11 points in this local derby. The rink consisting of HR Bull, T. Sefton, R. Dunning and B. Hopkins paved the way to victory with a comprehensive 29 – 15 victory over the G. Earnshaw four. The D. Buffin four edged a toght encounter with the R. Jones four, 20 – 17. A late rally by the A. Edwards four, picking up 4 shots in the last 3 ends, proved enough to draw with the C. Jones four. The visitors only winning rink was that skipped by T. Dallenegra, defeating the B. Chambers four 16 – 21.
RTB 91 Beaufort 56
Last weekend saw the last two competitive league matches to be played at the RTB grounds, with both teams chasing their respective league titles before being relocated to their new facilities alongside Eugene Cross Park. The final Monmouthshire Division 1 fixture saw the top two sides in the league playing against each other, with RTB requiring just four points from this local derby to ensure a third successive Division 1 title and a second consecutive league-cup double. The home side made a flying start, establishing a 25 shot advantage after 10 ends. The rink of T. Sefton, R. Harvey, R. Silcox and S. Harris were in excellent form as they defeated the D. O’Callaghan four 30 – 11.The J. Tomlinson four were also in fine form as they beat the J. Foote four 22 – 11. After establishing an early 15 – 4 advantage, the rink skipped by JK Evans saw their lead slip away as the D. Davies (Jnr) four fought back to trail 20 – 19 with 2 ends remaining. However the RTB four held their nerve to win the last two ends and secure a 23 – 19 victory. The final rink saw the R. Price four edge a narrow 16 – 15 victory against the D. Davies four and secure the maximum 14 points available for the home team.
RTB 77 Chepstow 84
RTB required just 3 points from this final Gwent Bowls league fixture to secure the league title and complete a fairytale finish to the season with a clean sweep of the county team tournaments. However, it proved not to be as the home side slipped to a 7 shot defeat, taking just two points in the process. The visitors made a strong start as the D. Buffin four found themselves trailing 2 – 13 at the halfway stage. A late rally saw the home four reduce the deficit to 13 – 17 with three ends remaining, but they failed to win any of the remaining ends eventually losing 13 – 24. The C. Jones four also struggled to contain the G. Hobbs four as they were defeated 12 – 27. The A. Rigby four narrowly lost 17 – 22 to the rink skipped by P. Ralph. The home sides’ only points came from an outstanding performance by the rink of W. Cross, W. Kirby, B. Chambers and B. Hopkins who comprehensively defeated the M. Morris four, 35 – 11. While this provided the home side with a chance of victory and brought the league title within their grasp as they led by 17 shots after 18 ends, a poor final 3 ends across all four rinks saw them win only 1 of the remaining ends and concede 25 shots.
RTB would like to congratulate Jonathan Tomlinson for his selection to represent Wales in the Hong Kong Classic tournament in November and for his success in winning the prestigious Merthyr West End singles tournament.