Carruthers Shield
Saturday saw the finale of the 2025 Carruther Shield, as RTB Ebbw Vale were looking to make it 4 titles in 5 years.
With the semi-finals draw on the day, RTB Ebbw Vale were drawn against Graig Merthyr and Harlequins taking on Tenby.
Graig Merthyr started the stronger and after a few ends held the lead on 3 of the 4 rinks but by the 7th end RTB Ebbw Vale had tued the tie, themselves leading on 3 of the 4 rinks. Graig Merthyr weren't done, and as the tie progressed, shots were traded across the green, aswell as the overall lead with only a handful in at any point of the game. As the game entered the crucial point, 3 rinks were tied with the difference only 2 shots with 3 ends to play. Despite their best efforts in the final ends, RTB Ebbw Vale came up just short in a nail biting finish, losing out 75-78.
Graig Merthyr fought valiantly in the final and at one stage looked to be heading for a heavy defeat. However they had different plans and fought back, reducing the difference to only 4 shots as the game entered the final stages. However, some big bowls across the green from Harlequins, who had earlier beaten Tenby, saw them run out winners by 10 shots to take home the title.
Congratulations to Harlequins on their 2025 Carruthers Success.
MBA Division 1
Friday evening saw Blackwood travel to Crosskeys in a table topping clash, and they began their weekend with a narrow 2 shot 10-4 win. They backup up their win on the road with a maximum 14 points against Croesyceiliog on Saturday and now sit 8 points ahead at the summit of Division 1. Crosskeys remain 2nd as they bounced back from defeat with a 12-2 win at home to Pontymister Athletic whilst Cwmbran Park moved further away from the dropzone with a 12-2 wn over St. Julians.
MBA Division 2
Leaders Ynysddu fell to a 2nd defeat of the season as Blaina retued home with a 12-2 victory. Rhymney Gwent won by the narrowest of margins in their 10-4 win over Caldiot whilst Blaenavon remain in 3rd with a 12-2 win against Rhymney Royal. Sunday saw the Royal bounce back and record a 12-2 win over Blaina, with the 2 points being enough to move Blaina into 2nd place despite defeat.
MBA Division 3
Another week with no movement following a full schedule of matches taking place on the Saturday. Bedwellty Park continue to set the pace, this time with a 12-2 win at Beechwood. Pontnewydd lead the chasing pack, recording a big 14-0 win against Llanhilleth, whilst Panteg House make up the top 3, winning 12-2 at Aberggavenny. Further down Chepstow came away with a 10-4 win against Machen. Sunday saw Machen move out of the relegation zone but it was the home side Abergavenny who came away with the victory, as they won 10-4.
MBA Division 4
The standings remain the same as the top 3 in the division all recorded wins. New Tredegar remain in pole position with a 12-2 win at New Tredegar, Abertillery 2nd following a 12-2 win against Whiteheads and Oakdale also picking up 12 points at Panteg Park.
MBA Division 5
Friday evening saw Six Bells extend their lead at the top with a 12-2 win over Pontymister Welfare but their lead was cut on the Saturday as they fell to a 12-2 defeat at Belle Vue whilst Newport Athletic picked up maximum points against their rivals Caerleon to remain 2nd, 16 points behind the leaders but with 2 games in-hand. Crickhowell remain 3rd following a 12-2 win over Gilwe. A 13-1 win for Pontymister Welfare at Gadiffaith sees them lead the chasing pack for promotion spots whilst Oakdale sit 2 points further back, following a 10-4 win at PILCS.
3 Rink GBL - Division 1
Pontymister Athletic closed the gap with leaders Croesyceiliog to 6 points following their 10-2 win over Bedwas whilst Monmouth picked up maximum points in their tie against Blackwood.
3 Rink GBL - Division 2
With Leaders Bedwellty Park not playing, Aberca took their opportunity to close the gap to just 2 points as they picked up all 12 point against Abergavenny. Newbridge moved upto 3rd place following their 12-0 win over Chepstow whilst Pontymister Welfare also recorded a narrow 9-3 win over Blaina.
2 Rink GBL - Division 1
Leaders Bailey Park moved within touching distance of the title as they collected another 10 points with victory over Pontypool Park Girlings. Cwmbran Park moved into 2nd place with 10-0 win at Croesyceiliog whilst Ynysddu remain 3rd as they won 8-2 against Beaufort.
2 Rink GBL - Division 2
Missed out on reporting this last week but Congratulations to Panteg House as they secured the Division 2 title with their victory last week. The newly crowned champions had to share the spoils this week as they and New Tredegar played out a draw (5-5) whilst Blackwood moved up 1 place to 5th, following an 8-2 win over Panteg Park.
