Home clubs defeated as Shield starts

AFTER more than a year without any competitive play, the 2021 outdoor bowls season got off to a quiet start at the weekend.

As is normal, clubs start the year with qualifying matches for the National Club Championship, but with just under a third of Carmarthenshire clubs taking advantage of opting out of this competition without incurring the usual penalties, there were just two games held.

Additionally, there have been changes in the format of matches, reflecting the reductions imposed by the Welsh Government in normal playing numbers and the unavailability of changing rooms due to Covid restrictions.

For the foreseeable future, these matches will be contested by triples rather than fours and will be played in greys rather than the customary whites.

The Llanelli & District League has adopted a slightly different approach to the game. While retaining the grey dress code, it has opted to increase playing numbers to the maximum currently permitted with a format of three rinks of fours and one of triples.

Most league matches will not start until June and it is hoped that by then playing numbers will be increased by easing of restrictions, allowing normal play.

Last weekend saw games in Section 1 of the championship, the only group unaffected by withdrawals. Graig Merthyr were 82-44 winners over Gorseinon, with New Lodge beating Parc William 69-59.

Saturday fixtures: Carruthers Shield Section 1: Carmarthen v Gorseinon; Graig Merthyr v Parc William.

Section 4: Brynhyfryd v Loughor.

Llanelli & District Bowling League Premier division: Havelock Park v Ammanford Park.