A special annual bowls match for Townsend Bowls Club saw a very exciting clash.

The Waverley Road club play a two-legged match with Harperbury to commemorate Stuart Mather, who was club and district president.

The first leg was held a month ago at Harperbury and was a close-fought affair, Townsend emerging with a narrow nine shot lead.

Leg two saw the now home side take a 22-shot lead after the opening two rinks had finished.

The triple of Anne-Marie, Derek Connelly and Peter Thomson won 19-11, while Ian Forster, Robbie Ransted and Alan Charran had a 21-7 success.

Suddenly though Harperbury flipped the game with two rink wins of their own, one by a whopping 20 shots.

It gave the visitors a one-shot lead with one rink to finish and that wrapped that up too, to win the leg by three.

However, Townsend retained the trophy thank to their first-leg success.

In district competitions, Townsend were in the semi-final of the Bob Vise Trophy away to North Mymms.

Thomson got them off to a great start with a 21-8 win in the singles but the other disciplines went the way of the home side to send them into the final.

Bob Lawrie, Thomson and Charran made the trip to Shire Park in the third round of the district triples and quickly roared into an 11-0 lead after only three ends.

That proved unassailable and they went through 19-5.

St Albans' ladies came out on top in a two-rink District League fixture at Harpenden.

Both rinks were won as Saints enjoyed a 43-28 success.

The mixed triples match at Batchwood saw Saints win on three of the four rinks for a winning margin of 78-44.

The top rink with a 28-8 success was Paul Miles, Alan Turner and Peter Kay.

While the outdoor season is heading towards a conclusion, the winter indoor year is start to get ready for its big start.

Harpenden Indoor Bowling Club will hold a try bowls weekend on September 9 and 10 between 10am and 4pm.

A spokeswoman for the club said: "Whether you are an absolute beginner looking to play for the first time, or an experienced or new outdoor player looking for some winter bowling, we would like to see you.

"You may be thinking of retiring from your current sporting activities and are looking for a competitive alternative to take up.

"Coaching sessions and competitions are available and will be arranged during the winter months.

"Indoor bowls is a great sport for individuals, couples or groups of friends.

"All equipment, guidance and encouragement will be freely provided. Just bring some flat-soled trainers to put on indoors and your enthusiasm."

Everyone is welcome but pre-booking is essential. To register your interest and book a session, go to www.harpendenibc.co.uk.

Alternatively, call Graham on 07826 546 187.