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Pontymister Athletic Bowls Club picked-up a crucial 12 points in pursuit of the Monmouthshire Bowling Association title with a narrow win over Croesyceiliog.

The Mister Men held a narrow two shot lead heading into the halfway point, but despite a spirited comeback from the visitors, they edged past to claim a 92-88 victory.

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Rink two saw Frank Trepleton, Phil Huntley, Roger Simms and Roger Venn take on the Croesyceiliog four of D. Williams, captain Mike Cleaver, N. Furr and C. Jones.

The game was tight throughout and the lead changed hands a number of times, but it was the Ponty boys who finished the stronger to win by three shots.

Rink three was the liveliest of all, with Ethan Symmonds, Sid Phillips, Captain Lloyd Turnbull and Ronnie Morgan, playing W. Saunders, P. Goring, P. Silverthorne and Mal Bishop. 

A tight but quiet start soon lit-up, as Pontymister stormed into a commanding lead with some top quality bowls. Croesyceiliog were matching the intensity, but couldn’t match the bowls on the day, with the home four winning by seven shots.

Rink four started well for the Pontymister four of Shaun Kenvyn, Jason Bradshaw, Chris Beale and chairman Andrew Goodwyn, with a five on the first end.

It was short-lived however as A. Roberts, S. Manley, N. Gooding and Mal Brooks soon took control. 

Leading 19-7 after ten ends, the Mister Men looked dead and buried but encouragement from team mates and supporters on the side, saw a spirited fight back that brought the rink level at 19 each on 18 ends.

Croesy were too strong in the end though, and eventually claimed the rink 31-23.

Finally on rink five, Dai Bowd, Chris Symmonds, Richie Murphy, and Dave Hill who faced L. Jones, D. Williams, M.O, Dwyer and K. Jones.

Pontymister started well and were dominant throughout the game playing really well, but a slight wobble on the last 4 ends (8 shots conceded ), saw the visitors come back to within two shots, which slightly flattered them on the day. Final score 22-20.