BOVEY Tracey’s bowling green is recovering from extensive drainage works during the autumn and has stood up well to a couple of days of heavy rain, followed by several roll-up practice sessions since the official opening on April 12.

The club's first competitive matches of the season have taken place this week.

A mixed triples friendly at The Den, Teignmouth, resulted in a Bovey win by four rinks to nil and 79 shots to 46. Rink scores were: P Fletcher, D Cosway, K Breame 13-12; D Bailey, N Fletcher, S Breame 27-12; S Long, K Callard, C Shorland 19-14; S Davies, A Chew, A Franklin 20-8.

In their second match, a mixed friendly at Chudleigh, Bovey won again on three rinks with one drawn, by 76 shots to 63. R Young, A Tremlett, S Callard, K Lockett 20-17; D Wraighte, S Martin, C Shorland, H Call 20-12; S Davies, J Chew, A Franklin, S Johnson 18-16; A Chew, K Callard, C Young, K Breame 18-18.

A reminder that Bovey's annual open day takes place this Saturday May 3 at 10am to 4pm, aimed at attracting new bowlers interested in playing lawn bowls. The venue is the bowling green (between cricket and tennis clubs) in the Recreation Ground on Newton Road, Bovey Tracey.

Everyone is welcome to come along and try it - there's no dress code, just the need to wear flat shoes on the green, and people can just drop in and out when convenient.

There will be several qualified coaches plus club members available to give guidance on playing and provide information about the club. Half-price annual membership and ongoing coaching sessions are on offer to any new members and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

This event has been very successful in recent years and Bovey Tracey Bowls looks forward to welcoming everyone on the day.