ROYAL Wootton Bassett missed-out for the second year running in their quest to win the Bowls England national title in the men’s Top Club Championship at Royal Leamington Spa.

Last year they reached the last eight but saw their hopes dashed in the semi-finals to Berkshire representatives Reading as the club failed to add to the O60 fours title they had won six weeks ago.

In last Saturday’s Top Club quarter-finals Bassett edged home 3-2 against Gerrards Cross (Bucks) winning in three disciplines, singles, pairs and fours but losing in the two wood singles and triples.

However, on Sunday morning in the semis they lost 4.5-0.5 losing in four disciplines but drew in the triples 16-16.

Reading were then whitewashed 5-0 in the final by Kings Bowls Club, Torquay, who retained the title they won last year.

RESULTS

Quarter-finals Royal Wootton Bassett (Wilts) beat Gerrards Cross (Bucks) 3-2.

Semi-finals

Royal Wootton Bassett v Reading (Berks) Two Wood Singles: Kevin Embling lost to BJ Byles 14-15. Four Wood Singles: Neil Smith lost to Lloyd Sabatini 13-21. Pairs: Kyle Anderson & Mel Biggs lost to Darren Holder & Robert Newman 13-25. Triples: James Nobbs, Tom Walkley & Gary Morphet drew with Tom Moore, Neil Gauld & Gary Stacey 16-16. Fours: Barry Sictorness, Dave Snell, Dave Godwin & Steve Snell lost to Danny Clarke, Paul Bunting, Simon Jones & Jon Stradling 13-20.

Score: Royal Wootton Bassett lost to Reading (Berks) 0.5-4.5.

THIS WEEKEND and next will see all of the bowls clubs in the Swindon area bringing their 2017 outdoor season to a close when they hold their annual club championships or traditional end of season drives.

The indoor season began this week at Westlecot IBC and Swindon Manor in the winter leagues, however, the national indoor championships and competitions do not commence fully until November.

WESTLECOT Indoor Bowls Club are seeking new members and will be holding an Open Day on Sunday October 1 at their Old Town premises on Bowling Green Lane off Springfield Road SN1 4EU.

Bowls tuition will be available from 10am until 2pm for newcomers to bowls and those thinking about returning to the sport.

For further information ring the club on (01793) 536036.