AN Ilminster rink of Ian Lightfoot, Bev Brister, Matt Hamilton and Neil Rowe are through to the national finals at Leamington, after winning their county semi-final at Purnells Bowling Club on Sunday.

The semi-final win was by 23 shots to 19 against Weston Victoria.

Meanwhile, an Ilminster triple of Ian Lightfoot, Bev Brister and Peter Mattravers lost to Purnells in the semis.

On Saturday an Ilminster men’s double rink made the fifth round, after a two-shot win at Willmott Park (Bristol).

Scores: Will Anderson, Jonny Kingston, Ian Lightfoot & Neil Rowe 27, B Barry 10; Levi Hembrow, Chris Robinson, Steve Turner & Matt Hamilton 7, L O’Conner 26.

In the fifth round they will play Purnells.

Ilminster Ladies’ run in the Fear Cup came to an end after losing 55-38 against Street.

Ilminster team: Margaret Evans, Norma Pugh, Christine Davies & Monica Woodland; Sarah Lightfoot, Val Dargue, Shannon Crouch & Maureen Mitchell; Sam Wall, Rita Grout, Angie Thompson & Dot Whelan.

On Saturday an Ilminster mixed triples team were away to Sherborne in the Wessex Mixed League, with the home team winning on all rinks and 82-48.

Scores: Des Maull, Maureen Mitchell & Barry Sims 13, R Fariant 17; Ann Eckley, Eddie Read & Eric Keitch 10, J Hayle 20; Sarah Lightfoot, Dave Hall & David Pugh 13, G Fitsgibbon 26; Norma Pugh, Colin White & Rod Parkin 15, B Fox 19.

On Sunday Ilminster held its annual open triples tournament, sponsored by A J Wakely & Son, and on a fine day and a good green there were some very competitive matches.

The final – Leo Bonning, John Mitchell and Maureen Mitchell against Sarah Lightfoot, Sam Webster and Jonny Kingston – was won by just one shot, with Maureen’s team coming out on top.

An excellent lunch was provided by Drew and his team.

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ILMINSTER Bowling Club will host a demo day and roadshow, featuring three current England international bowlers.

Louis Ridout (former Ilminster bowler and current senior England international), Rob Paxton (world no. 6 and triples gold medal winner at the 2016 World Bowls championship) and Jamie Chestney (world no. 8 and winner of the European Masters at Blackpool) will all be attending.

England blazers will be worn, Paxton will bring his gold medal, and there will also be a chance to try out some Aero Bowls products.

The event will be on Friday, July 28 (5.30pm-8pm).

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WITH a break in the league programme, Chard Bowling Club have recently played three friendly matches, winning the two at home and losing away.

In the first match, Chard hosted Axminster and won handsomely, 96-51.

Chard’s winning triples were Keith Wells, Pauline Small and Clive Small (23-13), Phil Stringer, Janet Bodily and Maurice Wakeling (31-11), and Maureen Fenwick, Peter Fisher and Glenn Berry (28-11).

Chardstock proved too strong in the away match, winning three of the four triples and 76-51 overall.

Chard’s only winning rink was the all-female combination of Lynn Beale, Teresa Pinder and Janet Bodily (17-12), playing together to practise for a tournament in August.

The third match brought a welcome return to winning ways, Chard taking three of the four triples against Ottery St Mary and the victory 71-63.

The winning triples were Teresa Pinder, Peter Avery and Barry Pinder (23-7), Phil Stringer, Keith Johnson and Barbara Ball (20-15), and Maureen Fenwick, Glenn Berry and Dave Wilkinson (18-17).

On Sunday, July 30, Chard will be holding a Competition Day, sponsored by Richard Carbin Ltd.

There is a singles competition (10am start), followed by a Pairs tournament (2.30pm), and anyone looking to take up the game of lawn bowls is welcome.