A TEAM from Minehead Bowls Club travelled to Taunton Deane on Wednesday, March 30, for an indoor friendly match.

B. Matthews, J. Brooks and J .Dawson from Minehead beat P. Luscombe, G. Pumley, R. Duncan and R. Jones 26:15.

R. Caddy, R. Ball, P. Matthews and M. Stapleton from Minehead lost 12:31 against M. Duncan, M. Reeves, T. Donaldson and D. Trump.

K. Hooper, V. Welch and G. Hooper for Minehead lost 14:21 against M. Horton, A. Wilson, T. Hardman and D. Horton 12:21. Minehead losing overall by 15 shots (67:52).

A new competition was launched this year, in memory of John Campbell, a valued member of Minehead Bowls Club who died last April.

Sixteen teams from Minehead, Porlock, Watchet and Williton entered the early knockout rounds of mixed rinks over the weekend of March 19-20 with four teams going forward to the semi-final and finals held Sunday April 3.

Two convincing wins in the semi-final saw the Watchet team consisting of A. Trunks, R. Groves, D. Hyngard and J. Groves meet the Minehead team of R. Ware, I. Bullock, T. Morgan and M. Palmer.

Minehead gallantly tried to narrow Watchet’s lead with a few high-scoring ends towards the end of the match but it was not enough to catch Watchet, who won 19:11.

This inaugural competition has been a huge success, bringing together the local clubs and raising a total of £500. While it did bring a few tears for a sorely missed club member, the weekend will be remembered for the many great games of bowls with an exceptional amount of fun and laughter - undoubtedly a fitting tribute to John Campbell.