SWINDON and District Men's Bowling Association failed to make a successful start to their 2007 campaign, writes Dave Eaton.

Led by this year's president Rob Williams (Westlecot) they went down by 22 shots in their first representative match of the season.

They were beaten 108-86 in their traditional opening match by Wiltshire Executive at Rodbourne Cheney BC.

Rink honours were shared at 2-2 with one match drawn.

Former S&D president Dave Herold skipped his quartet to a seven-shot win over Harry Langley. And, in a tight battle, district treasurer Mike Large edged out Roy Willcox by four shots.

Dave Gough's rink produced a fine comeback, bouncing back from 9-1 down against former county president Bernard Crabb, to grab an 18-18 draw.

The battle of the presidents was won by Adie Lloyd beating S&D counterpart Rob Williams.

Lloyd was always ahead of Williams' rink skipped by Eddie Wells, running out victors by nine shots. The decisive factor for S&D was the match on rink two where the all-Faringdon quartet, skipped by Maurice Simpson, crashed 30-6 to Keith Evill's foursome.

S&D's next representative match is in a fortnight's time on Saturday, May 12 when they visit Alexandra Park to play Portsmouth & District.

Williams will be looking for an improvement from his troops and to break his duck for 2007.

Anyone interested in playing in this game or any future S&D matches should contact Mike Sawyer on 01793 330549.

Wiltshire's next game is a friendly away against Leicestershire at Hinckley on Thursday, May 17 followed by another friendly against Gloucestershire five days later at Westinghouse.

RESULTS (S&D names first) Rink 1: Rob Williams (president, Westlecot), Jock Kinnaird (Westlecot), Danny Williams (Garrards) and Eddie Wells (Cricklade) lost to George Pike (Salisbury), Derek Francis (county sec, Devizes), Terry Clarke (Spencer Melksham) and Adie Lloyd (president, North Wilts) 17-26.

Rink 2: Franco Remordina, Alec Titcombe, Bob Mertha and Maurice Simpson (all Faringdon) lost to George Tappenden (Ramsbury & Aldbourne), Dave Gallop (N Wilts), Mel Williams (SVP, Highworth) and Keith Evill (Ramsbury & A) 6-30.

Rink 3: Roger Dyson (Haydon Wick), Mike Wells (Wanborough), Roy Major (Swindon, match sec) and Dave Gough (Stratton Churchway) drew with Frank Etherington (Highworth), Barry Wheeler (JVP, Swindon), Chris Blount (Highworth) and Bernard Crabb (Malmesbury) 18-18.

Rink 4: Jeff Snowball (Westlecot), Charles Pearce (H Wick), Jim Crook (County Ground) and Dave Herold (Town Gardens) beat John Northover (Chippenham T), Don French (Broughton Gifford), Alan Penfold (Supermarine) and Harry Langley (Swindon) 22-15.

Rink 5: Bob Scammell (SVP), Alan Groves (both Westlecot), Chris Payne (Garrards) and Mike Large (Wanborough) beat Joe Backshell (H Wick), David Keen (Devizes), Brian Raymond (Chippenham T) and Roy Willcox (Malmesbury) 23-19.

Result: S&D lost to Wiltshire Executive 86-108.

  • WOOTTON BASSETT, one of the top clubs in Wiltshire, are holding an open novice evening for all ages on Tuesday, May 8.

The evening starts at 6pm and anyone who would like to roll a few woods down the green to get a taster for the game of bowls are welcome to attend.

There will be three qualified coaches in attendance and equipment will be provided.

Visitors are asked to wear either smooth soled trainers or plimsolls.

Initially anyone wishing to attend should phone Ken Roe on 01793 853798 to enable the club to make arrangements.

n WESTLECOT Bowls Club are looking to increase their membership.

The club is one of the oldest clubs in Wiltshire having been formed in 1910, and has two outdoor greens and an indoor green.

They are seeking to increase membership and are holding two open outdoor sessions for newcomers to the game - all ages are welcome. They will take place on Friday, May 11 from 6pm and the next day from 10am.

Anyone interested in taking part should wear flat bottom shoes or trainers.

Further details can be obtained by phoning 01793 536036.