WESTLECOT men produced a splendid battling performance to win their opening match in the Wessex League play-offs in the race for the overall title.

They came from behind late in their game against MidGlos (Brockworth) to defeat the Midlands side 80-74.

They took the honours on three of the four rinks that were contested, winning one at home and two away but lost on the other at home in Old Town.

Top rink honours went to the foursome away in Gloucester of John Anderson, Ollie Moody, Dave Godwin and Kyle Anderson, who won their match against Steve Knight 27-10.

Next best were the home rink of Paul Kistle, Joe Stout, Mike Shawyer and Tom Pittuck, who edged to a 23-20 success against Nathan Kitchen.

And in Gloucester, the quartet of Dave Matthews, Gary Plant, Andy McIntyre and Mike Titcombe also won an extremely tight match 19-17.

The only reverse came at home where the quartet of Dave Snell, Ian Farragher, Terry Walton and skip Chris Cheesley struggled and lost 27-11.

It was surprising the match became a close affair towards the finish as Westlecot had made a good start and were 24-18 up overall after five ends.

They increased the advantage to 51-35 at halfway but then the slide began as they were pulled back to be only 62-56 ahead after 15 ends.

MidGlos briefly moved ahead 69-67 at 18 ends but Westlecot battled back again to level the scores at 74-74.

By the time the home rinks finished, Westlecot were still in arrears, but the away rinks managed to get them across the winning line as they finished 80-74 ahead.

Westlecot move forward to the quarter-finals this Sunday and face Worcestershire side Bromsgrove.