HAVING losing their previous two Wessex League games against lower opposition, Swindon Manor gave one of the top sides - West Berks - a run for their money, despite their eventual 68-59 defeat.

Manor won three three of the four rinks, Stuart Murray (17-13), Geoff Porte (19-17) and Carl Fernandes (16-14) coming out on top.

Ultimately though, a 24-7 loss for Richard Young in Newbury proved decisive as West Berks collected 10 points and Manor six.

Manor’s efforts did help out Swindon neighbours Westlecot, who are now guaranteed, at worst, the runners-up spot in the East Region table and a play-off place.

The Old Town club need nine points from their final group game against Carterton tomorrow to top the standings.

Manor meanwhile wrap up their league commitments with a clash against second-placed Lodden Vale.

The first round (last 16) of the play-offs, featuring the top two teams in each of the regions, Central, Coastal, East, Midlands, North and West, plus four wild card entrants, takes place on Saturday, March 4, with the quarter-finals following on Sunday, March 12.

  • TOMORROW sees the annual derby between the Wiltshire ladies and the men’s sides at North Wilts Bowls Club (2pm).

The men will be seeking a win this year as their last triumph was four years ago by a single shot.

With this year’s men’s president Steve Hockings suffering with a serious back complaint, Martin Salter, a past president, will take the game, having been the last men’s president to win the match.