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In another nail-biter, Pontymister Athletic Bowls claimed a two point victory over fellow borough side, Oakdale, in a South Monmouthshire League match.

The game itself was close throughout, with Pontymister leading in the early stages. At the halfway point, Oakdale got to grips with the green and led by four shots.

With just one bowl to play in the final end, Pontymister skipper Chris Beale manged to trail the jack and record a 67-65 victory, giving the Mister Men all 12 points.

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Rink two saw lead John Sheldon, Chris Simmonds, GBL captain Ian Collier, and Graham Smith – who was finding his form again – matched against Karl Clinton S. Richard, and captain Matthew S.

The lead changed hands a few times between the two teams, but it was the Mister Men who held onto their lead and record a three shot win.

Rink four saw the battle of the heavy weights, in-form lead Shaun Kenvyn was with Martin Watkins, Dave Kenvyn and Jack Collier playing skip. They were playing Martin W. Ron, and Robin and Chris Storey.

Oakdale, familiar with the green, led for the lion’s share of the game but the Mister Men wouldn’t lay down, and with six shots on the last three ends secured the narrowest of wins to secure the points.

Rink five saw saw the youngest and oldest members matches, Ethan Symmonds and Beynon Jones paired with Phil Huntley and Roger Simms up against Andrew C. Iestyn, Dai. H and Sean Case. 

Once again, the game was another close encounter, but Oakdale managed to hold onto a slender lead and record victory by three shots.

Finally, over on rink three, it was a drama-filled clash between Richie Beaugie, Jamie Roberts, captain Chris Beale, and Mike Lyons up against Simon W, Dai L. Bryn and Bob. M.

Pontymister surged into a good lead, but bit by bit Oakdale came back into the game, four shots up going into the last end.

The only rink left out, Pontymister were three down overall and facing defeat both on the rink and overall, but with the last bowl to come and two shots up there was a chance. 

Lyons made it crystal clear to Beale what he needed to do, either draw the shot to tie the game or trail the jack for victory. 

Beale went for it, picking up the jack and making a five, which not only won the rink but also won the game 67-65 which gave Pontymister 12 points and Oakdale two.