ALTON Bowls Club A team continued their winning run in the Whitchurch League Division Two, beating Kingsclere Partridges 41/2-1/2 and then Howard Park 5-0 to establish a good lead at the top of the table.

The B team, competing in Division Four, defeated Andover 5-0, but went down 1-4 to Kingsclere Pheasants.

Alton’s Three Counties team enjoyed two decisive wins, beating both Four Marks and Milford 5-0, but Alton lost 2-5 to Howard Park Greens in the Stan Hardman League.

John Blair reached the fourth round of the National Champion of Champions competition by beating Steve Smith (Whitchurch) 21-12.

In the Basingstoke & District competitions, Alton’s pairs team of John Blair and Dave Sims are through to the third round and, in the triples, John Blair, Ronnie Roberts, and Pete Tarbutt won 26-11 against Basingstoke Town to make the second round. However, Alton lost to town rivals Alton Social in the Hants & Berks Cup.

Alton BC met Liphook in the Three Counties President’s Cup. The away team won their game, but Alton lost heavily at home, resulting in overall victory for Liphook.

Eric Smith met Steve Bailey (Old Basing) in the Whitchurch O60s singles. It was a great game and Bailey won 21-12 with a fine last shot.

Alton BC hosted a County Area Final for the first time for many years last Thursday. The men’s rinks match produced excellent bowling from all four teams for a good crowd of spectators. The final outcome was Alton Social winning against Howard Park, and Cove beating Oakley.