SWINDON & District Bowls Association mixed representative side were edged out over the last few ends of their opening match of the new outdoor season, despite leading for well over three quarters of the friendly match against Bowls Wiltshire at Swindon BC last Sunday.

They led 33-23 across the board after five ends, 60-51 after 10, were still holding an 84-78 advantage at 15, but had been pulled back 105-105 at 18 ends.

However, in the final three ends on the six contested rinks, they dropped 23 shots and only scored a meagre six to go down 128-111.

The best result for S&D was achieved by the all-Wanborough rink of Chris and Deanne Davis, plus Millie and Dave Woodbridge, who won 20-13.

Next best was the all-Faringdon rink skipped by Robin Haines, who won their match against Wroughton’s Martin Salter 22-16.

Steve Herridge (Swindon) and his rink lost 30-16, the all-Haydon Wick rink led by Terry Plumb were beaten 26-22, while the all-Garrards rink loaned to Bowls Wiltshire trumped S&D with an eight shots victory.

And in the officials battle, S&D men’s president Maurice Simpson (Faringdon) lost out 19-15 to BW chairperson June Corbett (Town Gardens/Wroughton).

S&D’s next match is another mixed game at home at Amesbury against Bournemouth & District on May 27. They follow this with an away game against Southampton & District at Pirrie Park on June 24.

  • WILTSHIRE’S junior women commence a series of friendly matches this weekend in preparation for the Amy Rose Trophy competition at the national championships at Royal Leamington Spa in August.

They face Hampshire in a double rinks match at Andover BC on Sunday (1.30pm).

LADIES national fours championship early rounds began this week.

In the opening round, there were wins for the foursomes led by Wroughton’s Val Coles and Babs Salter, Highworth’s Linda Young, Stratton Churchway’ s Janet Willis, Royal Wootton Basett’s Charlie Godwin, Wanborough’s Deanne Davis and Supermarine’s Sue Griffiths, as well as Chippenham Town’s Barbara Land.

  • WILTSHIRE Ladies begin their South West Counties campaign for 2018 next Tuesday when they visit Tiverton West End to play Cornwall.

Nine local players are included. They are: Wanborough’s Julia Hunt and Deanne Davis, Stratton Churchway duo Wendy Anderson and Janet Willis, Purton’s Chris Mitchell and Alison Fail, Wroughton’s June Corbett and Babs Salter as well as Supermarine’s Pat Jones.