The highlight of the bowls weekend at Century BC was the clash between Middlesex and Surrey in the opening match of the Home Counties League on Saturday.

The game was played within shouting distance of Wembley Stadium, and perhaps the roars from the celebrating Arsenal supporters should have inspired the home county to victory.

This was not to be however with Surrey, always in the lead, ending nine shots to the good.

Tony Pope and Derek Russell from Century, and Roxeth's Tony Waller all held their own against a strong Surrrey team.

Middlesex need to defeat Oxfordshire at Logan Road on Saturday if they are to challenge for honours this season. The match starts at 2pm, and spectators are welcome to come and see some top class bowling in pleasant surroundings.

Following a successful week of touring, Century went to South Oxford on Sunday, with the men following up their three wins and a draw in the west country with an emphatic 34-shot success.

Geoff Gould's four were inspired, finishing 15 shots ahead.

Margaret Hellier's ladies lost by nine shots at South Oxford, and the ladies on tour, led by Betty Hicks, only managed one win, but all thoroughly enjoyed a super week.

The men's Player of the Tour award went to Dennis Hicks, with Betty Scott receving the ladies' equivalent.

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