This week sees the normal schedule resume following the finals of the MBA Competitions at Beaufort last week. Congratulations to all winners and commiserations to the runners up, there were some fantastic finals which took place with a few going right down to the wire. Good luck to all finalists who now represent the county in the National Championships at Llandrindod Wells.
MBA Cup Final
Friday saw the climax of this years MBA Cup as Blackwood and RTB Ebbw Vale battled it out to be crowned this years champions. After 5 ends, with 1 rink from each team getting out the blocks early and the other 2 rinks sharing the shots, there was very little to separate the teams. As the game approached the half way stage, RTB has build a lead of 18 shots. However, Blackwood weren't done and as the game approached the 14 end stage they lead of 3 of the 4 rinks and had reduced the defecit to only 6 shots, still very much in the contest. As the ends began to run out, RTB stepped up a gear and slowly increased their lead and eventually closed out the game, winning by 18 shots, with 1 rink proving to the major difference in the tie.
Congratulations to RTB Ebbw Vale on winning the 2025 MBA Cup.
MBA Division 1
Bedwas & Trethomas are the new division leads as they secured all 14 points on offer at home to Blackwood. Crosskeys drop to 2nd place on shot count despite their 12-2 win at Croesyceiliog, as they top 3 are all now sat on 83 points, the coming weeks will place a pivotal role in the race for the title. St. Julians fell to a 12-2 defeat at Pontymister but bounced back on Sunday with a 10-4 win at home to Cwmbran Park to sit 4th in the table. Cwmbran Park moved into 5th place with an 11-3 win at RTB Ebbw Vale, whilst Blackwood retued to winning ways on the Sunday with 12-2 win at Croesyceiliog.
MBA Division 2
Very little movement in the league despite a full league schedule taking place. Ynysddu fell to their first defeat of the season as Caldicot secured a 10-4 win. Blaenavon closed the gap with fellow promotion chasers Newbridge as they won their battle 10-4, are now just 2 points off the 2nd promotion spot. Pontypool Park Girlings secured a 12-2 win at home to Blaina to improve their chances of avoiding the drop whilst it was Rhymney Gwent who won the Rhymney Derby, with a 10-4 win over their rivals Rhymney Royal.
MBA Division 3
No movement in the league standings this week, as Bedwellty Park extend their lead at the top with a big 14-0 in at home to Chepstow. Pontnewydd remain second on shot difference as they edge out Machen on the final end to secure a 10-4 win, whilst Panteg House are level on points with them following their 12-2 win over Llanhilleth. Abergavenny came away with their first win of the season, as they took 10 points at Beechwood.
MBA Division 4
New Tredegar secured a 2nd consecutive 13-1 win (v Aberca) to remain top of the division whilst Abertillery keep themselves in the hunt with a 10-4 win at Beaufort to sit 12 points back in 2nd place. A 12-2 win for Oakdale ( v Firbank ) sees them move up into 3rd place whist Whiteheads moved up 1 place with a 10-4 win at home to Panteg Park.
MBA Division 5
Six Bells remain top as their encounter at Oakdale Welfare finished level, with both sides recording 7 points. A 10-4 win for Newport Athletic at Pontymister Welfare sees them reduce the difference at top as they continue to chase the leaders. Crickhowell have moved up into the 3rd promotion spot with maximum points at PILCS whilst Caerleon also moved up in standings following their single shot win over Belle Vue (8-6). Gilwe remain 8th in the table as they won 10-4 at home to Gadiffaith.
GBL 3 Rink - Division 1
Pontymister Athletic moved upto 2nd place, and closed the game with the leaders Croesyceiliog following a 10-2 win over RTB Ebbw Vale. Elsewhere, it was an afteoon of home wins as Crosskeys ( v Monmouth ) and Blackwood ( v Bedwas) both recorded 12-0 wins.
GBL 3 Rink - Division 2
Bedwellty Park continue their fine form as they won 10-2 at Blaina to extend their lead at the top to 14 points whilst Chepstow move up into 3rd place following an 11-1 win over Pontymister Welfare.
GBL 2 Rink - Division 1
Croesyceiliog moved up into 2nd place as won both rinks at Pontypool Park Girlings but it is Bailey Park who continue to set the place in the division as they also won both rinks (10-0) at Beaufort to lead the division by 17 points.
GBL 2 Rink - Division 2
Leaders Panteg House came way with an 8-2 at Pontymister Athletic to remain top whilst Caldicot continue to chase them, winning 10-0 at Oakdale to narrow their lead. Blackwood moved off the bottom of the table as they secured a 10-0 win over New Tredegar.
