MBA Cup
Friday evening saw the opening round of the MBA Cup take place with 3 scheduled matches. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 games weren't played as Blaenavon and and Pontnewydd received walkovers against their respective opponents. Beaufort made the short trip to Bedwellty Park and came away with a comfortable 30 shot win, to book a 2nd round tie at home to last season's beaten finalists Blackwood in 2 weeks time. Caerleon and Six Bells brought forward their game due green availability (Newport Athletic also playing home in Round 2) and it was Caerleon who progressed following a nail-biting 1 shot win.
WLB Carruthers Shield
Round 2 of the MBA Qualifiers for the WLB Carruthers Shield, once against had it's fair share of big wins and thrilling close encounters. RTB Ebbw Vale lead the way as they recorded an emphatic win over Rhymney Gwent (107-40) to progress whilst the were also big wins for Newbridge (105-51 v Whiteheads) and Panteg Park (101-56 v Firbank) as they eased into the next round. Crosskeys secured their 3rd round place with a 30 shot in over Division 1 rivals Bedwas whilst Croesyceiliog edged out Blackwood by 4 shots in another all Division 1 encounter. In an equally close encounter, Llanhilleth overcame Blaenavon (80-76) but the closest match of the afteoon was between Pontymister Athletic and Cwmbran Park with the visitors snatching victory by the narrowest of margins, 80-79. Pontypool Park (85-60 v Ponytpool Park ) and Bedwellty Park ( 78-62 ) both recorded wins to progress whilst Panteg House made a remarkable comeback in their match, having been 26 shots down after 15 ends, to win on the final end 91-86 against Abertillery.
3rd Round Draw - Matches to be played on Saturday 23rd May
Blaina v Newbridge
Pontypool Park v Llanhilleth
Croesyceiliog v Panteg Park
Chepstow v Panteg House
RTB Ebbw Vale v Pontnewydd
Crosskeys v Bedwellty Park
Beaufort v Cwmbran Park
GBL 3 Rink - Division 1
Crosskeys moved up into 2nd place and closed the gap with leaders Blackwood as the won a tightly fought encounter just 3 shots, picking up 10 points in the process. Despite the defeat, Blackwood still remain top by 4 points. Monmouth secured their first win of the season with a maximum points win at home to Newbridge whilst RTB Ebbw Vale and Pontymister Athletic played out a draw with the home side edging the result points wise, 7-5.
GBL 3 Rink - Division 2
Chepstow made it 3 from 3 as they won on the road at Blaina (10-2). Cwmbran Park move up into 2nd place in the division with a narrow 2 shot win over Bedwas despite losing on 2 of the 3 rinks. Elsewhere Ynysddu bounced back from their opening match defeat with a 12-0 win over Abergavenny. The Caldicot and Aberca came was postponed due to the home sides involvement in the Carruthers Shield.
GBL 2 Rink - Division 1
A 2nd win of the season for Bailey Park (8-2 at Caldicot) sees them lead the way in division 1 of the 2 Rink GBL. Croesyceiliog started their campaign with a 10-0 home win against Panteg House whilst New Tredegar also secured their first win of the season with an 8-2 win at Beaufort. Unfortunately the Pontymister Athletic and Pontypool Park had to be rearranged due to player shortages for the home team.
GBL 2 Rink - Division 2
A busy weekend in Division 2 with all 8 teams in action along with a re-arranged game on the sunday taking place. 2 wins on the road for Pontymister Welfare ( 8-2 at Crickhowell and 10-0 at Oakdale ) sees them top the table as they maintain a winning start to the season. Panteg Park also have a 100% record retuing home from Abertillery with an 8-2 win. Beechwood (8-2 at Bedwellty Park ) and Oakdale ( 8-2 at Blackwood ) both secured their first wins of the season and moved up in the table.
