ROCKWELL Green shortmat bowlers welcomed a very strong Oaktree team to the village hall for a 4-mat contest. The majority of the visitors play in the West Somerset League but look on friendlies as time to enjoy their bowls - and they chalked up a 39-24 win over the home side.

Green names first : Mick B, Reg & Mike R were matched with Steve, David G & Mick. The Green were holding their own until the 7th end when the visitors made a 4 to be 8—3 ahead with 3 to play. Although the Green took a 3 & a 2 on 8 & 9 to level the scores 8 all, the visitors showed their experience to win the last for a 9—8 victory.

Next Joy, John Y & Bob against a strong Oak Tree trio of Trevor, Vickie & David M. In a tight game with both sides taking alternate shots, the Green somehow managed to win ends 7-8-9 to lead with one to play. The visitors did manage to take the last by one shot which left the Green 7—4 winners. The Green held a two-shot lead at the break.

The restart saw Graham, Dave D & Cass face up to Mick, Mike & Sue. The Green were doing well to be 6—4 up with 3 to play but at that point Oaktree started to show league form and took the last three ends for a 9—6 win .

With the Green only one shot down overall, a lot depended on John G, Bill & Brian to get a result against Steve, Trevor & Vickie, but things did not go the Green's way as they found themselves 5—3 down after 5 ends. From then on the Oaktree trio racked up shots ad lib, not allowing the home side another shot. It was a little disappointing result for the Green going down 17—3.