Townsend Bowls Club first ever Pubs and Clubs Challenge has been hailed as a success.

On Sunday the club welcomed new and experience players for the competition and organiser Jane Dixon said she was “delighted” with the response and wants to make it a yearly event.

“I was delighted with the response and the efforts of local bowlers, and looked forward to this becoming an annual fixture in the Townsend bowls calendar,” she said.

“We intend to make this even bigger and better next year and challenge all pubs and clubs in the St Albans and surrounding areas.”

The ultimate winners were the Banana Splits from the Horns Pub in Watford. In a close final they beat Mike Walker`s Tennis and Bridge team, 21-16.

Elsewhere, Townsend played against the District Team and managed to win on all four rinks by a score of 85-54. The top rink was skipper Gary West, Robbie Ransted, Laurie Rackham and Mike Doherty .

The Cavaliers, Townsend`s midweek team, lost 64-56 to Berkhamsted in four triples matches. Townsend’s one winning rink comprised Clyde Martindill, Wally Witham and skip Bob Padget.

In the EBA Two Fours, Townsend visited local rivals Harpenden and, although winning on one rink, were unsuccessful on the other, which allowed the hosts to progress. The visitors` winning rink was captain Danny Macro, Peter Thomson, Gary West and John Godman.