ASHCOMBE played two friendlies, defeating Congresbury, but losing to Burnham away.

ASHCOMBE played two friendlies, defeating Congresbury, but losing to Burnham away.

Ashcombe 116, Congresbury 86: A Lewis, D Urch, A Yates, J Whitlow 22-10; T Morgan, M Tripp, C Hughes, B Webber 12-15; S Ash, B Underhay, B Cracknell, A Little 15-18; J Horn, K Hallett, J Price, C Keedwell 21-20; A Wilmot, M Badman, G Wilkinson, J Creasey 24-12; B Jones, C Winsor, J Main, L Day 22-11.

Ashcombe 109, Burnham 126: B Perkins, D Cooper, J Main, E Hopkins 11-20; A Cracknell, D Norville, P Gaulton, T Williams 28-12; S Easterby, P Sheppard, R Simmons, A Little 20-23; S Ash, G Tucker, G Finnegan, E Roberts 20-18; B Noyes, M Unwin, B Kibble, J Taylor 10-31; B Alden, M Simpson, A Freke, S Hughes 20-22.

VICTORIA'S opening of the outdoor green took place with the traditional friendly game of the president's team versus the captain's team.

It was a warm and sunny afternoon and there were some closely matched rinks, but pride of place to the captain's rink skipped by Colin Gazzard who beat the president's rink skipped by Mike Stocker 31 to 12 shots which was a major influence on the match result.

The president's top winning rink was skipped by Ted Mangan who beat the captain's rink skipped by Will Harrison 25-16. The captain's team run out victors 146-124 with the president shouldering the blame as he chose Mike Stocker for his team.

At the formal dinner the president wished all members an enjoyable bowling summer and paid tribute to the many members who during the winter have spent a lot of time and effort and many have also personally contributed funds to the renovation work undertaken. A hearty vote of thanks was given to the ladies who prepared and served the usual first class meal.

Victoria's indoor season came to an exciting climax in the week with three finals held: The men's pairs saw Malcolm Campbell and Brian Stock take an early lead which improved to 10-4 after 11 ends, however Tony Uccellini and Will Harrison fought back and won the last seven ends 8-3, but Malcolm Campbell and Brian Stock clung on to a single shot win.

The champions final saw another close game and a single shot win for the Yellow Hammers, who played a consistent drawing game throughout and led 11-6 on the ninth end. The Wagtails then employed a heavy drawing game and brought the scores level at 15-all on the penultimate end, but Yellow Hammers took the one shot needed on last end to finish winners 16-15.

Wagtails : T Farmer, J Downing, I Linham, P Lunn 15, Yellow Hammers : J Newman, A Fealey, C Gazzard, M Cooper 16.

The singles final was between Malcolm Campbell and Mike Cooper, the game got off to a quiet start and very even at end eight, Mike Cooper was winning 8-5 but he was then marooned on eight shots for six ends which let Malcolm Campbell get back in the game and take the lead which he held on to win 21-14.

WINSCOMBE'S new season was opened by the president's wife Carol Baker when she delivered the first wood on a beautiful day for playing bowls.

There then followed a traditional spider for a bottle of whisky in aid of the club charity the South West Children's Hospice. Together with a collection later over �160 was raised.

The men then enjoyed a friendly competitive match between the president's team (John Baker) and the captain's team (Tony Dudley) which resulted in a close game, Tony's team winning three rinks and John's two, but overall the president won by one shot. However, on this wonderful spring day the real winner was bowls.

The ladies then treated the men to a sumptuous supper in the pavilion which rounded off a perfect day.

Winscombe is always looking for new members whether an experienced bowler or someone who would like to try a new game and make new friends. Have a look at www.winscombebowlsclub.co.uk

The club are holding a series of open days on: Saturday, May 8, 10am to 12 noon; Saturday, May 15, 10am to 12 noon and during Winscombe Village Festival on Wednesday, June 16, 2 to 4pm; Wednesday, June 23, 2 to 4.00 pm

Anyone can come along and have a go. Just wear flat shoes or trainers. Woods and instruction will be provided.

ASHCOMBE Ladies section season was opened by president Norma Counsell and a fun game was played on a sunny afternoon. About 90 players took part, and were later served an excellent meal by members of the men's section.

A busy programme of matches and friendly games has been planned, and there are vacancies for new members. They are asked to contact secretary Averill Goacher on 01934 514855.

Coaching starts in May and ladies interested are asked to contact the ladies' secretary.

ST ANDREW'S men treated the ladies to an informal dinner to recognise all the work they had done throughout last season, preparing teas and meals for all the games, also in the hope they will continue to do so.

The club's chef Mike Berry prepared a meal of starters, two main courses and puds, followed by coffee and mints.

They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, probably due to the complimentary wine.

The new outdoor season starts with open day next Saturday with the ladies on Sunday. All are looking forward to a good season with favourable weather.

WESSEX Ladies opened the season with their President's Day. Guests included senior vice-president of the Somerset Bowls Association, Mrs Jill Price and members of local clubs.

The spider was won by Hilary Hopkins of Congresbury and the bowls drive by Barbara McGregor of Ashcombe.

A delicious meal of sausage and mash, trifles made by the committee, biscuits and cheese was enjoyed by 66 people.

WINSCOMBE Ladies had their opening day and ladies'captain Helen Watson had organised a mixed match which again proved to be a close contest with three rinks all being decided by one shot.

Unfortunately one rink (Tony Watts) did not enter into the spirit of the day by winning on the captain's rink by 17 shots. Again, a lovely day for bowls finished off by an excellent supper provided by our fantastic ladies.