Harpenden Bowls Club ladies versus mens gala gave 55 club members the chance to enjoy some scintillating weather and play bowls on a perfect green – impressive considering the rain of the previous week.

The gala took place on Bank Holiday Monday and was played in some of the hottest weather encountered for the event with temperatures hovering around 27 degrees.

With just a breath of wind at best, the match was played over 18 rinks amid much mopping of brows and drinking of water.

There was a mixed final score line as the ladies recorded a 4.5 to 2.5 points’ win in rinks but the men achieving a nine-shot lead in total points scored.

There was a barbecue at the end of the afternoon to finish a beautiful day.

There was also a five-rink mixed triples match at Berkhamsted which Harpenden won 92-80.

Harpenden won on three of the rinks, drew on one and lost the other.