ST ALBANS Bowling Club held their 21st Annual Gala last Tuesday. The event was well supported by 96 bowlers from local clubs. Unfortunately the bowling had to be halted soon after lunch as there was torrential rain which eventually became a thunderstorm

ST ALBANS Bowling Club held their 21st Annual Gala last Tuesday.

The event was well supported by 96 bowlers from local clubs.

Unfortunately the bowling had to be halted soon after lunch as there was torrential rain which eventually became a thunderstorm.

In spite of the weather the bowlers had an enjoyable day.

The winners were a team from Townsend B.C. skipped by Jean Parnell and the runners-up were from Potters Bar B.C.

The 'Spider' raised the sum of �68.35 for the Ladies' captain's charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind, the winner was Viv Tolley from Kings Langley B.C.

The Ladies' captain, Tricia Gascoine, a retired Barclays employee, organised the raffle and prepared lunches for the bowlers.

The money she raised is being matched pound for pound by Barclays in the Community investment programme.

Tricia said the amount raised would be spent wisely in improving the facilities at the club.

This is the third year that she has had help from Barclays and all the members of St Albans Bowling Club are extremely grateful for the help that Barclays has given.

If you are interested in joining St Albans Bowling Club, or would like to come along to try the sport, please contact Tricia on 01727 860298, or Bernice Burden (President) on 01727 760450. Beginners and experienced bowlers are all very welcome.

TOWNSEND put the disappointment of the Top Club behind them to win through to the last 16 of the EBA 2 Fours. Their opponents and the venue are still to be arranged but it is likely to be in two weeks time at Wellingborough.

The overall score of 39-9 reflected the club's supremacy over Roebuck. Rink scores: A Charran, S Mather, J Godman and R Briden 17 - M Brackley 4; J Hall, G West, D Macro and A Briden 22 - S Cook 5.

This rounded off a good week in County Competitions for the club.

The County League started with wins over De Haviland 66-24 and followed it up with a 19-shot victory over Radlett who performed very well in their first competitive fixture against Townsend.

The two victories give Townsend six points in their quest for glory.

The weekend bowlers overturned a 10-shot deficit to regain the trophy against the Owls.

Highest winning rink: Alan Tucker, Mike Haslam, Ron Seymour and Chas Prior winning 33-14.

Unfortunately, they were unable to overcome Potten End in a friendly despite winning on two of the three rinks.

The social bowlers lost the first leg of the Mather Trophy 76-74 against Harperbury so all is to play for in the return in August.

The club had total success in the individual county competitions with winners in the fours, triples pairs, singles and unbadged.

John Godman was edged out 21-18 by Andrew Briden in the singles; Danny Macro is still going in the fours, triples, pairs and singles. All disciplines are being played at Ware this week with some very good bowls on show.

BATCHWOOD'S home triples friendly against Barnet resulted in a narrow win for Barnet by four shots (44-48). Of the three rinks one was drawn, one lost and the third won. Top Rink: J Reeves, R Schlatter, J Taylor (16-11).

In the District League Batchwood were well beaten in the match against Hemel Hempstead losing on all four rinks and by 28 shots (61-89).

League Points: Batchwood 0 Hemel Hempstead 80 (Best Rink: C Springle, D Paul, D Norrell, E Jacobs (18-20))

In round four of the National Competition Over 55 Singles J Bell (Batchwood) lost 21-10 to D Richardson (Herts BC).