Clubs are getting into the swing of the new bowls season with the first games being played.

Datchworth Bowls Club opened with a mixed friendly with Welwyn & District the visitors to their Turkey Farm green.

And it ended in a 112-71 win for the home side, after winning all but one of the five triples played.

Datchworth’s highest winning rink was Jan Smith, Richard Harper and Rob Hazeu, who beat Gary Mitchell, Ian Cogger and John Oliver 26-10. 

Welwyn's one winning triple was Alwyn Challcombe, Beryl Hill and Les Page who won 23-11 against Datchworth’s Mike Usher, Chris Hills and Les Parsley.

Datchworth's first away game was just as successful, claiming an 86-71 victory at Hoddesdon Rosehill.

Again there were four out of five rinks wins, the best of them being Jenny Holzbauer, Maurice Gordon and Steve Arnold with a 20-10 win.

The only rink to lose were beaten by one shot gained on the final end.

Howard Garden started their new season with an impressive 77-31 home win in the Stevenage Mixed League against Stevenage Town. 

The hosts won two of the three rinks with Jeff and Daphne Bothers, Sandra Jordan and skip Paul Billson being the most successful, winning 38-5.

Baldock Town started their SML campaign with a visit to Knebworth, winning on two of the three rinks and with a shot score of 51-40.

That means they claim five points and Knebworth one.

Whitethorn played two challenging friendlies, dodging the rain in the first of them but losing 76-63 to Luton Co-op.

Saturday's game was dry but cold and dull but Whitethorn won 51-44 against Sandy Town despite only winning on one of the three rinks, that success being by 22 shots to eight.

Letchworth Garden City though were not so fortunate, enduring a washout with the weather.
But they will be using the force to make sure the open day this Saturday, May 4, is on.

That takes place between 10am and 3pm and all are welcome, with flat soled shoes the only requirement.

All other equipment will be provided.