ALTON Bowling Club have made a strong start in external competitions.

In the Nationals, the men’s fours were successful against Kingsclere, winning 49-25, while John Blair scored a comfortable 22-10 victory against an Aldershot Underwood opponent.

In Hampshire County competitions, David Sims showed excellent form in winning his first two four-wood singles matches, both against Alton Social players. Paul Schofield, however, lost to an Aldershot Traction bowler in the preliminary round.

Alton lost to Alton Social in the men’s County Championship. David Sims was again a winner in his first two-wood singles, but lost out to Andrew Blight of Aldershot Underwood in his second match.

Alton’s County men’s pairs campaign is progressing well. The three teams, Ronnie Roberts/Bernard Abate, John Blair/David Sims and Paul Schofield/Pete Tarbutt have won all their matches to date, and fairly comfortably. Alas, Ronnie Roberts’ team lost their first match in the men’s triples, but Paul Schofield’s side progressed to the second round.