BROTHERS SET FOR FINAL FIGHT
AN excellent evening of singles took place at Llanelli Bowling Club on Friday when players contested the semi-final stages of the three league competitions.
In the Harold Williams (Under-35) matches, Sam Torlop of New Lodge defeated Graig Merthyr’s Chaad Bowling, winning the final three ends of a 25-end game.
Bowling had recovered from a sixshot deficit to lead 19-16 but failed to finish his opponent off.
Ben Torlop of New Lodge produced a second-half demolition of Kieran Thomas of Cross Hands, and the two New Lodge brothers will meet in the final this Friday.
The David Richards Trophy for over-50s singles will have a new name inscribed on it this year after former winners Phil Jones and Peter Jenkins, both of Brynhyfryd, lost to Rob Hughes of Havelock Park and John Jones of Cross Hands, who are both playing the competition for the first time.
Three-time winner Jones was looking to create a new league record of over-50 titles, which he currently holds jointly with Peter Dunkley of Llanelli.
In the Club Champions play-off for the David Thomas Trophy, qualifier Phil Nicholas of Brynhyfryd was well beaten by Kidwelly’s Keith Evans, while in a close game, Robin Burden of Brynhyfryd won the final three ends against Dunkley to take the match.
The final rounds will be held at Llanelli Bowling Club on Friday evening.
A full programme of Llanelli and District Bowling League matches was also held over the weekend.
In the Premier division, Llanelli’s win at home over title-chasing Graig Merthyr may have spoilt Graig’s chances of catching current champions Kidwelly Town, who produced another home win at Parc Stephens at the expense of Loughor.
Ammanford Park have returned to some good form, beating Carmarthen at St Peter’s, while Parc y Dre’s home win against Gorseinon keeps them well up the table.
Division one leaders Brynhyfryd are now within touching distance of ensuring their return to the Premier division. On Saturday they won at Gowerton and this weekend host struggling Pontarddulais.
Second-placed Dafen Welfare had the weekend off, but with games in hand they seem likely favourites for the second promotion place.
Tybie continue to lead the division three table after a win at Parc William.
Second-placed Cross Hands had the weekend off, but both these teams appear well in control of the division.
LLANELLI & DISTRICT BOWLING LEAGUE SPONSORED BY GRAVELLS RESULTS
Premier div. – Llanelli 85 (10)-(4) 70 Graig Merthyr; Carmarthen 77 (4)(10) 85 Ammanford Park; Kidwelly Town 98 (12)-(2) 61 Loughor; Parc y Dre 89 (12)-(2) 73 Gorseinon.
Div. 1 – Pontarddulais 77 (2)-(12) 89 New Lodge; Blue Anchor 85 (12)(2) 59 Burry Port; Llangennech & Bryn 94 (12)-(2) 73 Calsonic Wanderers; Gowerton 59.5 (2)-(12) 71 Brynhyfryd.
Div. 2 – Ty’rfran 91 (12)-(2) 72 Tumble; Parc William 60 (2)-(12) 86 Tybie; Dafen Welfare Crusaders 93 (11)-(3) 62 Llandeilo; Cwmaman 83 (14)-(0) 60 Ammanford Town.
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Premier div. – Graig Merthyr v Gorseinon; Loughor v Carmarthen; Ammanford Park v Llanelli; Havelock Park v Kidwelly Town.
Div. 1 – Brynhyfryd v Pontarddulais; Dafen Welfare v Blue Anchor; Burry Port v Llangennech & Bryn; New Lodge v Calsonic Wanderers.
Div. 2 – Tumble v Parc William; Cross Hands v Cwmaman; Llandeilo v Ty’rfran; Tybie v Ammanford Town.