What a excellent start to the season with reigning champions Howard 1 securing their first victory, with a hard fought 7,3 win over a spirited Sturdee 1. Ian Gordon blew the opposition apart with three comfortable wins, but the rest of the match was a close encounter. Tim Vaughan was in tremendous form, picking up a brace, which included a 11,8 fifth leg win over Graham French and a brilliant 14,12 fifth leg triumph over Simon Forest, saving six match points in the process!!, outstanding start from the Sturdee player. Wayne Youngs also did well, posting the other point for sturdee with  a fourth leg victory over Graham, 4, 6 and 6 the last three legs. Jill Shipton  can count herself unlucky,doing well against Graham, losing three narrow legs, including 17,15 in the second. So with the new edition of the three bonus points awarded to both sides, Howard start the campaign on 10, Sturdee not far behind on 6.

Written by: David McAulay