ROCKWELL Green Shortmat bowls team were pleased to greet Staplegrove for a four-mat contest - with victory eventually going to the Taunton side.

As both teams know each other it was almost like a school reunion, lots of chat, while captains sorted out the playing order.

Things did finally get underway (Green names first ) with a four-a-side match consisting of Lauraine, Syd, Bob & Mike R against Carol, David S, Rose & David B. It was a tightly contested match with shots traded to give Staplegrove a 6—4 advantage with one end to play. The Green pulled out all the stops, taking a 3 on the end thus securing the match 7—6.

Next into the fray Joy, Brian & John Y found Keith, Paul & Sue in dominant mood, racing into a 8—3 lead after 7 ends. The Green did gain a couple of shots but the visitors ran out 12—5 winners. At this point a well-deserved break ensued while the prizes on the raffle were shared among both teams. The score count at this point was Staplegrove 18, the Green 12.

Starting back, the Green knew they had to pull back some shots. Another 4-player match consisting of Graham, Dave D, Mick & Reg meeting Carol, Paul, Peter & Keith. The first 3 ends were shared but a 5 on end 5 put the Green in pole position and they went on to win by 9—5, thus bringing the overall scores to Staplegrove 23, the Green 21.

Last of the evening, Christine, Bill & Cass came up against David S, David B & Rose. The Green soon found themselves 7-2 down after 6 ends. A mini revival brought them back to 8—4 but the visitors held on for a 9—5 victory. A very entertaining evening was enjoyed by all even if it did result in Green's second defeat of the year.