THE start of the season at Paulton Bowls Club brought one Somerset inter-club competition and three friendlies.

Unfortunately, on a very cold and quickly darkening Tuesday evening, the men lost a very close game, against visitors Congresbury - not the best start but things could only improve.

The women played their first friendly of the season on Tuesday afternoon, at home against Keynsham, winning against strong opposition, by two shots overall.

On Wednesday evening the men were away for a friendly against Bloomfield where, with milder weather and kinder lighting, they produced a convincing overall win, raising the spirits after Tuesday; the friendly banter of the rinks followed bowlers into the clubhouse where a hot pasty and beans rounded off a great evening.

Finally, on a bright sunny Thursday evening, in a mixed friendly at home against Prattens, Paulton achieved a good win on all rinks, played in a banter-filled atmosphere which was followed by a great evening supper.

AJ.Meaton