THERE were two exciting mixed friendly matches at Wellington Bowling Club during the past week. They played Victoria Bowls Club, Bideford and Culm Vale Club from Cullompton. They did not actually win either one but they did have a very good try.

In the match against Victoria, Liz May, Paul Kelsall and skip Darren Sparks played really well against a strong side and despite being level after 12 ends they moved ahead to win it 14-9

Wendy Scott, Alan May and skip Ken Brown ran into trouble against powerful opposition. They started off well, leading 2–0 early on but the Victoria trio moved ahead to win comfortably by 25 –7.

Brian Wombwell, Derek Vile and skip Mike Copping were leading 10–8 at the halfway stage but the visitors overtook for a 21–14 victory.

Thelma Helps, Lynda Manning and skip Tony Gibson had the winning of it. They were 12 – 6 up with three ends to play but the Victoria side picked up eight shots in the final ends to pinch it by one, 14–13.

Monica Carter, Ian Hollingsworth and skip Bill Warnett had a real battle on their hands. It was nip and tuck all the way. After 15 ends and with only three to play they were 10 – 9 down to the visitors but they fought back hard and won it in the end 12–10.

Liz Copping, Eddie Dilley and skip Clive Manning started off pretty well and led 4–1 after four ends but the visitors came back at them and overtook to take a nine shot victory, by 22–13.

After a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon's bowling the visiting side went home happy with a victory by 101 shots to Wellington's 73.