A MINEHEAD Mixed bowls side played a three-rink game against a county youth team which included players from all over Somerset, and a good representation from the Minehead Youth Academy.

Colin Hirons, Sheila Cooper, Val Welsh and Mark Palmer won the first four ends but the county claimed the next four and went ahead by two.

The county won 11th, 12th, and 13th ends, securing five shots and going ahead by four. Minehead scored five over the next two ends. The youth side took the 16th and inched ahead by one, but Minehead were able to secure the final two ends, winning by two shots.

Royston Ball (capt), Kirsty Hirons, Liz Garnish and Nich Gardner also made a positive start and were winning 5-1 after five ends. Somerset scored five shots over the sixth and seventh ends to move into the lead by one shot.

Minehead replied with seven shots over the eighth and ninth ends, securing a six-shot lead at 12-6.

The youngsters won the next four ends with six shots, and bringing the score back within one one at 13-12.

However Minehead mirrored exactly, in the final four ends, and eventually won 19-12.

John Munson (president), Janice Malarkey, Sara Rew and Geoff Murrell gained a 23-12 win - a result not truly reflecting the youth side's overall display.