Weston-super-Mare’s Victoria Bowls Club had a very hard opening weekend of fixtures for its two teams in the Weston and District Over 55s Bowls League.

Victoria Vikings began their 2024 summer season with a very tough match away to fellow Weston club Clarence.

Clarence were coming off the back of relegation from the top division last year and Victoria knew they would be facing a strong squad to start off the season.

With the Vikings introducing a couple of debutants for the away match, the home side adapted to conditions best and led from pillar to post to record a convincing victory.

Reigning Division One Champions Victoria Saxons also had a tough start to the season when they visited Winscombe, who finished third last season, on Thursday.

Once again, the home team started best and ran out victors by 109-81.

Despite the setback however there were some good showings from The Vic with Don Wheatley, Captain Dave Carpenter and Paul Coumis winning 20-13.

Alan Bradley’s team of Roy Bromet and Malcolm Campbell cruelly missed out, losing on the last end by one shot 12-11.

Captain Carpenter remained upbeat and said: “It’s a long and tough season and I’m certain we will be challenging by the end of the season”.

There was better news for The Vic on Saturday when they visited neighbouring Burnham on Sea for their final pre-season friendly.

With conditions unseasonal and many jackets in view Victoria began the match determined to finish the week on a positive note and this was certainly achieved with all six visiting rinks recording victories to give the Westonians a convincing 116-72 score line.

The two leading performances came from the Alan Bradley, Graham Robbins and Roy Bromet trio and Pete Sloman’s team of Andy Kimitri and Mike Milliner who both recorded identical 25-10 wins.

Mike Cooper, Ray Stallard and Trevor Puddy triumphed 18-12 and Kim Burgess aided by Carmine and Vice-Captain Hugh Gibbs who had an excellent game at two won 15-11.

The final two winners were the Fairhurst father and son combination David and Kaegan who had the experienced Malcolm Campbell alongside, and the John Newman, Paul Coumis and Nigel Robbins team completed the whitewash.