Bowls clubs continue their outdoor competitions with silverware looming.

In the County League, Townsend surrendered their top spot when one of their rinks found the going not to their liking at Hatfield.

The other foursome of Robbie Ransted, Bob Lawrie, Peter Thomson and an on-form Alan Charran managed a narrow 16-12 win.

Townsend are still favourites, however, to win through to the divisional finals at the start of next month.

The most recent St Albans & District League match saw three rinks come to Waverley Road from Hemel Hempstead.

Townsend came out with two rinks and the 68-44 overall success, taking 60 of the 80 points available.

Les Perkins, Mike Cowell, Lawrie and Peter Armstrong won by a very convincing 25-10 while Ian Forster, Bob Padget, Gordon Williamson and Charran triumphed 25-14.

Batchwood's members continued their winning streak in the competitive leagues and competitions.

Brian Parkes won 21-10 in the men's County Unbadged Singles against Don Connors from Hemel Hempstead.

Parkes also beat club-mate John Bell 21-17 to reach the district final of the Officers Singles, which will be played in September.

Lesley Tutt was beaten 21-20 in the area final of the National Senior Singles against Lesley Moylette from Sawbridgeworth.

Thomson also progressed in the district singles with a 21-15 win over Potters Bar.

In the County League, Batchwood's men have secured first place in Division A of the South Area with victory over Harperbury, beating them 69-12.

They will now play in the final against the top clubs in Division B to determine the overall South Division winner.

The ladies have also secured their place in their County League divisional final with an unassailable position and one game to play.

St Albans' ladies were competitive but ultimately unsuccessful in two midweek matches.

A double rink fixture against Welwyn Garden City saw a draw on the home rink but a defeat away in a 35-19 overall loss.

The second game saw them beaten 31-28 against Hemel Hempstead despite a 24-15 rink win away.

The club's men fared little better in the Friday Triples League match, losing 44-23 to North Mymms.