PHOTOS:
 
Ken Edwards, winner of the Sudbury Bowl, Marley Hughes, winner of the Alfred Phillips Bowl, and Richard Jones, winner of the Texaco Shield.

The curtain recently came down on Pembroke Dock Bowling Club’s 71^st Open Week tournament when three keenly contested finals were played in the glorious setting of the town’s Memorial Park.
 
Many commented that this was one of the finest tournaments for many years with some great matches - in addition the weather was superb, with not a single break for rain.
 

Sizeable crowds watch Marley win well

 
The finals were played in front of a sizeable crowd who gave their appreciative support to the finalists who competed for the prestigious Sudbury Bowl, Alfred Phillips Bowl and the Texaco Shield, which is contested by bowlers eliminated from the earlier rounds of the main trophies.
 
Tenby Five Arches captain, Ashley Hooper, a regular supporter of Open Week, came up against Marley Hughes of Haverfordwest in the final of the Alfred Phillips Bowl. Ashley enjoyed early success, but was pegged back by Marley during the middle stages and despite Ashley’s best efforts Marley lifted the trophy by 21 shots to 16.
 

Ken fights back for victory and Richard completes ‘grand slam’

 
The final of the Sudbury Bowl saw two Pembroke Dock members facing each other with club stalwart Ken Edwards meeting highly regarded Hugh Williams, participating in his first Open Week final. Although Ken dropped four shots on the first end, he quickly recovered and was victorious by a 21 shots to 14.
 
Club Captain Richard Jones came against Haydn John-Davies of Haverfordwest in the final of the Texaco Shield which was previously won by Haydn in 2014. Richard quickly found his line and length and stormed into a commanding lead before being pegged back by Haydn.
However, Richard’s greater experience and local knowledge resulted in him winning by 21 shots to 10 - which means that Richard has now completed the ‘Grand Slam’ by winning every club competition.
 
The presentation of the trophies was carried out by Club President, Mrs Diana Davies, assisted by club chairman, Alan Yea, and to round off a memorable week competitors and members enjoyed a superb buffet and raffle.
 

Stats galore available

 
A few interesting statistics about the week prepared by Gerard Thomas (Tournament Organiser) who did a marvellous job in ensuring the tournament ran smoothly:
 
The tournament attracted 50 entries which was an increase on 2015. In addition to Pembroke Dock members, bowlers entered from Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, Tenby, Fishguard and Goodwick, Whitland and Haverfordwest. During the week, 104 matches were played and the number of ends generated by these games came to an amazing 2,166 with over 17,000 bowls being delivered!
 
The all-time record for the number of ends played in one match was broken on Thursday morning when Don Brickle and Ron Page took 33 ends to complete a marathon.
 

Special thanks

 
A special word of thanks to the amazing ladies who covered 12 hour shifts each day to provide catering and also the bar staff who ensured that nobody suffered from the effects of dehydration!
The green was in great condition throughout which was due to the green-keepers, who were up at the crack of dawn to ensure that the playing surface was in tip-top condition.
 
A total of 28 members carried out the duties of Markers with the prizes for top lady markers going to Anne Cole and Pat Benn and the prize for top male marker going to Reg Thomas.
 
Finally, grateful thanks are extended to Collette and Margaret (Umpires) and the small nucleus of club members who willingly volunteered their services to act as Markers.
 

Picture Two: Players and officials pictured prior to the start of the finals. From left to right: Gerard Thomas (Tournament Organiser), Marley Hughes, Mrs Anne Cole (Marker), Ashley Hooper, Ken Edwards, Mrs Pat Benn (Marker), Hugh Williams, Haydn John-Davies, Reg Thomas (Marker), Richard Jones and Richard Hissey (Umpire).