BARRIE Forse of St Andrew's has had a successful week in two area finals.

BARRIE Forse of St Andrew's has had a successful week in two area finals.

In the Over-60s singles final held at Taunton Deane, Don Fowkes (Bridgwater BCL) quickly established a 15-0 lead. Little by little Forse eased his way back to be just two down at 19-17.

On what was the last end, Fowkes was leading by one shot, but Forse managed to snatch victory

The following day in the Over-60s pairs, Forse was partnered with Ken Uglow against Barrie Smith and Fowkes from the Bridgwater BCL club.

Excellent bowling from Forse kept the Saints duo in touch as Uglow struggled with the pace of the green. Uglow gradually found his weight and the pair went 12 shots clear and, despite a spirited rally from the BCL men, they held on to win.

Barrie and Ken go on to the national finals at Bedford on March 1 and Barrie goes to the singles event on February 27.

ST ANDREW'S only managed three points in the county league game against Clarrie Dunbar.

Both away rinks struggled, as did one of the home rinks. Tony Steer's rink won with a comfortable 14 shots and Don Bailey's rink drew the last bowl to make the scores even. Unfortunately, a 31-shot deficit away meant the game points were lost.

A friendly against the South West disabled bowlers saw the Saints lose on all three rinks, but only by two or three shots.

St Andrew's 66, Clarrie Dunbar 83: B Roberts, D Favis, G Wride, D Bailey 15-15; A Hyde, R Davey, T Thomas, A Steer 24-10; K Uglow, A Ware, R Keedwell, B Forse 15-28; P Villis, A YEeles, R Venn, R Gill 12-30.

St Andrew's 49, Taunton Deane 57: J Smith, J Marney, B Alden, D Favis 26-11; C Robinson, M Cordwell, E Hooper, D Henderson 11-21; M Simpson, M Cordwell, R Smith, M Favis 12-25.

HUSBAND and wife Ivan and Pam Barnbrook are having a successful winter in the individual competitions at Clarence Bowling Club.

Ivan, who got through to the national stages of the Over-55 Pairs outdoors last summer, reached the singles final by beating club greenkeeper George Cooper.

Pam Barnbrook is just one step away from meeting her husband in the final, but has to overcome doughty competitor Trevor Pritchard in her semi.

The Barnbrooks are already through to the final of the pairs, which they won two years ago. Their final opponents have yet to be decided.

The 2008 champions Ron and Jean Higgins, another husband and wife team, are through to the semi-final, in which they will meet either John Edwards/Harry Sparks or Jan Bishop/Veronica Jones.

NEW members are welcome to join Congresbury Bowling Club, which starts a new season in April.

The friendly and sociable club, based in Mill Leg, currently has more than 60 male and around 35 female players, who compete in friendly and league games.

A tour is organised each year, this year members and their partners are visiting Bournemouth in May. Social events throughout the year also include a summer barbecue, quizzes, bingo, whist drives, Sunday lunches and lots more.

The popular annual sportsmen's day will be held on August 8, when novice bowlers will have fun on the rinks. Phone Chris Wilcock on 01934 833277 to enter a team of four.

Why don't you come along for a bowls taster session? Casual practice sessions - roll-ups - are to be held every Monday from April 12 at 6pm when coaching is available.

The men's opening game is on April 10, starting at 2.30pm and the ladies' opening roll-up is on April 11, starting at 2.30pm.

The annual subscription is �65 and help is available with equipment to get you started. For more information, call the clubhouse on 01934 876578 after the season starts.

All ages are welcome, including junior players.