THE outdoor season at Ilminster started in earnest with the first rounds of the National Double Rink Competition.

On Friday Ilminster B lost at home to Taunton BC 49-37 in a very close match when the rinks were shared.

The visitors claimed victory by taking nine shots on the last three ends to win the rink and match.

Scores: Des Maull, Colin White, Dave Crouch and Kevin Hamilton 23, D Ormesher 16; Dave Collins, Andy Williams, Alan Holt and Rowland Garland 16, P Shaw 31.

On Saturday morning the A team were at home to Wellington BC. On this occasion Ilminster were too strong for their opponents, winning both rinks and by 46-21 overall.

Scores: Matt Hamilton, Jason Miles, Mark Denslow and Louis Ridout 20, K Brown 11; Will Anderson, Neil Rowe, John Ridout and Peter Mattravers 26, P Kelly 10.

Seaton BC were the visitors on Thursday for a four rink friendly.

On a cold and wet afternoon only 15 ends were played but Ilminster won three and lost just one to come out on top 53-38.

Scores: Steve Yarrow, Jill Parker, Tony Cole and Barry Sims 15, Sue Rutter 8; Val Dargue, Christine Davies, Ken Parker and Roy Orme 18, J Miles 7; Ray Dolby, Rita Grout, Dave Hall and Royston Grout 11, L Tooze 10; Gary Riste, Betty Marner, Briane Davies and Rod Parkin 9, T Horley-Smith 13.

On Friday the Ladies visited Crewkerne BC for a three rink friendly when Ilminster won on two of the three rinks and by 54-35.

Scores: Helen Collins, Norma Pugh and Dot Whelan 12, Anne Loose 16; Jill Wells, Betty Marner and June Checketts 25, M Harris 9; Heather Grinter, Christine Davies and Maureen Mitchell 17, Mary Spurwey 10.