ILMINSTER lifted the Turnbull Cup – Somerset’s premier cup competition – for the first time since 1986.

On a dry but windy afternoon in Bristol they proved too strong for Taunton BC, winning 84-58.

Although Ilminster have waited 28 years to regain the cup they do boast a good pedigree in the competition, having dominated the event with six wins between 1969 and 1979.

And three members of the current team also played in the 1986 success – Peter Mattravers, Rowland Garland and Eric Keitch.

Mattravers was in fine form, leading his rink to a 29-10 victory while Louis Ridout’s quartet won 25-12.

But this was very much a team effort with some very good bowls produced by all the team.

Scores: Rowland Garland, Kevin Hamilton, Bev Brister and Peter Mattravers 29, S Barnard 10; Chris Robinson, Alan Holt, Neil Rowe and Louis Ridout 25, J Amery 12; Will Anderson, Paul Denslow, Jason Miles and Mark Denslow 12, P Shaw 21; Matt Hamilton, Eric Keitch, Steve Turner and John Ridout 18, D Ormesher 15.

On Saturday Ilminster also maintained their challenge in Premier 1 of the Somerset league and now have their sights well and truly set on a league and cup double.

Their latest result was a 61-61 draw with Street in which they picked up just five of the maximum 12 points on offer.

But Ilminster remain in the hunt for the title as they trail leaders Bristol A by just three points with two games in hand and second-placed Clevedon A by two points with one game in hand.

Scores: Will Anderson, Paul Denslow, Steve Turner and John Ridout 24, N Cox 16; Ian Lightfoot, Dave Wallis, Bev Brister and Peter Mattravers 18, T Salter 23; Malcolm Norton, Chris Robinson, Matt Hamilton and Neil Rowe 19, S Salter 22.

Ilminster B continued their fight for promotion from South West 1 with a 10-2 success at Bridgwater B, winning on two of the three rinks.

Their cause was helped when second placed Wyrral Park lost 10-2 at home to Minehead.

Scores: Andy Williams, Dave Collins, Phil Cox and Rowland Garland 25, N Jones 12; Des Maull, John Osborne, Barry Sims and Eric Keitch 16, G Lewis 20; Gerry Morris, Colin White, Alan Holt and Kevin Hamilton 23, I Hancock 13.

An Ilminster mixed team lost 82-43 at Gillingham in the Wessex League last Thursday.

Scores: Dave Wallis, Jill Parker and David Pugh 10, J Hancock 22; Val Dargue, Roger Lench and Roy Orme 8, K Smith 27; Betty Marner, Dave Hall and Ken Parker 8, D Avery 18; Des Maull, Colin White and Dot Whelan 17, B Snow 15.