West Sussex wonders get better of their neighbours

Oldest Southbourne member Len Mates receives the Longley Cup from Lindsay and Judy Bangs

Travelling to old enemies East Sussex, the county team from the west ran out 241-157 shot winners overall.

West Sussex got off to a flying start, winning all the games in the opening session, then drawing two in the second, to be undefeated at lunch.

Going into the afternoon trailing 14-2, East Sussex rallied but opponents West Sussex just kept churning out game victories. In total, West Sussex won three games in the third session, then the same amount in the final on their way to taking a bonus-point in all four disciplines.

West Sussex’s exceptional display saw them secure a 34-6 victory over the course of the afternoon, leaving them with a comfortable winning score of 241-157 overall.

In the triples competition, Clapham & Patching’s Norman Little teamed up with Crablands bowler Mollie Black. The pair could only draw their first game 16-16, before running out 16-9 victors in their second and final game.

The other triples game saw another Crablands player, Elaine Sadler, team up with Lavant’s Terry Haigh. This pairing managed to come out winners in both games (13-12), (16-9). Crablands’ Rod Shambrook drew 9-9, then lost 16-7 in the fours.

Lavant Short Mat Bowls Club came away with a mix of results during the latest round of matches.

In five games played across the week, various Lavant teams collected three victories, before going down in the other two.

Lavant Red kicked things off with a 43-40 reverse at the hands of Ashington Swans.

The opening rink proved to be the Red teams ultimate downfall. After falling to a 22-13 defeat in rink one, Lavant clawed back in the second - winning 27-21 - but that was not enough to see them to an overall victory.

There was some good news with Lavant beating Wisborough Green in a friendly. Despite a two-shot loss in the opening rink, Lavant came back to run out comprehensive 45-27 winners overall.

Another friendly proved successful for Lavant as they overcame old friends Midhurst 72-50.

A strong Norfolk Cubs team proved too strong for Lavant’s Blue team. Victories in both rinks saw Norfolk run out 51-21 victors overall.

A tricky week of fixtures was then brought to an end with Lavant collecting a third successive friendly win. This time Lavant were far superior to Fittleworth, running away 70-38 winners.

Southbourne Bowls Club held their annual awards evening earlier this month.

A good evening was had by all, with a huge congratulations going to every trophy winner.

An excellent dinner was supplied by Fresh Catering and live music performed after by Phil Owen.

Southbourne’s oldest member Len Mates, who is aged over 90, was presented with the Longley Cup on the evening.

n Southbourne’s Anthony Bull competed in the recent English Masters leg of the Short Mat Bowls Players Tour.

Bull missed out on qualification for the knockout event, then bowed out of the plate competition in the last-32 following a single shot defeat.