MAY sees the beginning of the weighty business of outdoor competition with Watchet Bowling Club taking part in numerous club, local and county matches.

There are also individual players who play in county and sometimes national matches. Watchet’s friendly matches also continue throughout the season, so there’s plenty of opportunity for members to play.

Watchet, Ilminster and Taunton Bowling Club members braved atrocious weather to play on Saturday, 2nd May. During major downpours of rain both WBC A and WBC B were in action at home for their opening matches in the county league.

After gaining promotion last year the A team were hosts to an extremely strong Ilminster A team and determined to perform well. Watchet did indeed run out winners by 2 shots overall and picked up 10 points.

WBC v Ilminster A - County League Premier 1 (Watchet players only): T Daley, A Knight, A Bryant and N Williams Win 18 - 8;

C Rendell, R Groves, I Trunks and J Groves Loss 9 - 25; S Waterman, P Tregidgo, R Hooper and S Hooper Win 26 – 18. Overall result WBC 53 shots (10 points) v Ilminster A 51 shots (2 points).

WBC B, also after gaining promotion last year, welcomed Taunton B in what proved to be a close game overall. Unfortunately, Watchet dropped shots on two of the rinks in the last few ends to eventually lose by 2 shots. Picking up just 2 points.

WBC v Taunton B - County League South West 1 (Watchet players only): R Scott, D Bowden, S Flack and Ph Bowden Loss 14 - 16; C Bowden, M Webber, S Gunner, and P Keith Loss 11 - 24; P Preston, R Anthony, R Rendell and Pe Bowden Win 21-8. Overall Result WBC 46 shots (2 points) v Taunton B 48 (10 points).

E.P.