WILTSHIRE Men’s Bowls Association celebrate their 100th birthday this year and to mark the milestone they have organised a series of special matches.

The first of those games was held last Sunday at Swindon Bowls Club and featured Wiltshire Tourists versus West Glamorgan Bowls Association.

It was a return match as the Tourists spent a long weekend last September based in Neath, West Glamorgan and played against three clubs from that area.

The Moonrakers Tourists, led by 2014 county president Dave Richards (Trowbridge Westbourne) and containing a host of players from local clubs, had to give second best at Swindon BC by 38 shots as they went down 123-85.

It was Richards’ second defeat of the season in presidential games and he will be hoping it is third time lucky in the next against the Barbarians BA at Wootton Bassett on May 29.

RESULTS Rink 1: Steve Rose (Rod Cheney), Bob Hiles (Swindon), Roger Green (Spencer Moulton) & Tudor Lloyd (S’don) lost to Paul Brooks 20-26. Rink 2: Malcolm Ellis (Marlborough), Frank Hinchliffe (Westlecot), Ian Francis (S Moulton) & Carl Fernandes (S’don) lost to Ken Williams 12-23. Rink 3: Tom Phillips (Supermarine), John Snell (Alderbury), Ray Fernandes (S’don) & Dave Richards (pres,Trow West) lost to David Evans 14-19. Rink 4: Frank Smith (Cricklade), Eric Spackman (S’don), Mel Williams (Highworth) & Andy Watson (S’don) lost to Granville Pugh 12-17. Rink 5: Ken Bray (Avon), Jack Peterson (S’marine), Harry Langley (S’don) & Dan Harvey (RC) lost to Robert Edwards 13-21. Rink 6: Vic Hilton (Wootton Bassett), Colin Sheppard (Amesbury), Cliff Gumm (Winsley) & Dave Royle (Rod Cheney) lost to Meurig Evans 14-17.

Score: Wiltshire Tourists lost to West Glamorgan BA 85-123.

SWINDON Bowls Club, situated on Marsh Farm Lane (off Shrivenham Road) are holding an Open Day today from 10am to 4pm.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone who would be interested in trying out the game of bowls.

All equipment will be provided free of charge as well as instruction by qualified instructors.

For further information telephone the Swindon club on 01793 535066 or coach Carl Fernandes on 01793 614255.

WANBOROUGH Bowls Club will be represented at the village’s sports open Day being staged at Hoopers Field tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.

Other sports clubs in the village taking part in the open day include tennis, cricket and football.

There will be plenty of other attractions taking place including a fire engine for the children. Refreshments will be available from the bowls club.