FOR their last friendly of 2025, Rockwell Green Short Mat Bowls Club went to their old friends Staplegrove for a six mat match. Getting things started Heather, Mick B & Bob for the Green rather put Carol, Peter & Dave to the sword, only allowing them one shot on end nine, running away with a 20--1 victory. Mat 2 Joy, John Y & Bill enjoyed a far closer game against John, Rita & Sue M. The Green held an 8--3 lead but the hosts came back on the last end with a four, giving the Green a narrow win 8--7. Last to play before the break Graham, Reg & Mike R were matched with Sue, Steve & Andrew. At the half way stage the Green trio found themselves 7-0 down and although they put in a good effort they could not pull back the deficit and went down 10--4, leaving the Green holding a 32--18 lead at the break. Starting back Joy, Bill and John Y played Dave S, Pat & Carol. It was all even at 2 all after 4 ends but then the Green started to pull away, not giving the hosts another shot until the 9th end to complete the game with a 10--3 win. Next were Heather, Mick B & Bob against Sue, Steve & Andrew. The visitors were well on top, leading 7--3 after six ends but the hosts fought back to be only 7--6 down with one to play. The visitors scraped a one in a very tight final end to take the game 8--6. Last up on the fast and most difficult mat, Graham, Reg & Mike R found John, Rita & Heather in fine form, holding a 9--0 lead after six ends. The Green trio did gain a two on end and and a face saving five on the last but the hosts gained a 12--7 victory. Overall, the Green triumphed by 57--39.