ALTON Social began their defence of the Bowls Hampshire Mixed Top Club crown with an emphatic win at Yateley.

Hazel Marke (21-8) and Adam White (21-5) recorded comfortable wins in their singles, while Mark Fyfield, Basa Smith and Margaret Holden came from behind to win their triples 24-15, putting Social in an unassailable position.

With big leads in the pairs (18-13) and fours (18-8), both were conceded by Yateley.

The Basingstoke Fours League began with a local derby against Alton BC. And it was first blood to Social as they secured a 13-shot advantage and victory by four points to one.