WITH the return of a number of their players, Sully Indoor Bowling Club were expecting an improved performance against the Newport team who were still in with a chance of winning the league.

Sully commenced the game with a confidence which had been lacking in previous games and were sharing the score after the first two ends 10–10 but, after five ends, Sully found themselves in an all too familiar situation 15 shots down at 20 – 35.

Then there was a run of excellent bowling by all the Sully rinks and by the tenth end Sully had gone ahead by 62-50 shots, the main instigators being the rink of Davies, Richards, Curtis and skip Martin Clarke who after being 2–3 down after the fifth end were now 15–4 ahead.

Newport then upped their game and by the 15th end they recovered their deficit and gone ahead by one shot 87–88. This appeared ominous for Sully but showing great spirit they fought hard to regain the lead and by the 18th end they had regained the lead by five shots. The only rink struggling was that of Dave Wright who went on to lose by 16 shots.

The rinks of Chris Ackland and Fred Phillips both tying 20–20 and 19-19 respectively going into the last end both gained a single to win their respective games. The rinks of Ken McLeod, Brian Griffiths and Martin Clarke continued to bowl well over the last few ends ensuring a Sully victory by seven shots, 119 – 112 taking 22 points out of 24.

A great result after some unpredictable performances and, with two games left, other players will be brought to give them some experience in readiness for next season - this proved the case against Newport with débutantes Alan Bannister and Chris Ackland having very good games.

The next game is this Saturday against the league leaders Blaenau Gwent away, who demolished Sully two weeks ago but, with players becoming available, hopefully Sully can put up an improved performance.