Bowls clubs in the district had a couple of hard-fought battles as competitive bowls continued.

Townsend hosted Harpenden in their first home match of the season, and the familiar surroundings paid dividends as they ran out 116-47 winners.

Two of the rinks ended in a 27-7 win for Townsend, midweek skipper Robbie Ransted, Bob Lawrie and Alan Charran on one and the trio of Ian Forster, Les Perkins and Andy Scarborough on the other.

The County League saw Townsend visit Clarence Park and after 18 hard-fought ends, honours were even across the two rinks at 27-27.

The winning Townsend rink comprised Perkins, Roger Potter, Scarborough and Peter Thomson, who were 18-10 victors.

For St Albans the best performers were Andy Kay, John Harvey, Steve Wilson and Mike Pitkin, winning 17-9. 

Meanwhile preparations are in hand at Townsend's Waverley Road to welcome new and lapsed bowlers to the second open day, although all are welcome.

If you want more details,or to try your hand before the event, call the club's county coaches on 01727 852361 or go to www.townsendbowlsclub.co.uk for more information.

The first of St Albans' open days takes place at their Clarence Park home on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.

Please turn up on the day although for families or groups of four or more, call Richard Hall on 07429 407365 first, or email at richard55hall@gmail.com

Equipment and refreshments will be available and flat soled shoes or trainers should be worn.

St Albans also had a mixed triples friendly at home to Potton End, losing 77-51.

The top rink winning was a 19-10 success for Tony Dolphin, Sarah Hughes and John Harvey.

There were better fortunes in Sunday's friendly against Luton West End, with St Albans winning 68-52.

Sarah Hughes, Peter Kay and Chris Palmer took top rink honours.

Harpenden's first home match of the season had been against Kitcheners and picked up a 60-42 win.

The club also had their first ladies' triples match of the season at Bushey, although rain capped that after 12 ends with Harpenden well behind on two rinks but up by four on the third.