AFTER a ten-year wait, Alton Social Bowls Club have moved into their new facility in Chawton Park Road.

Appropriately, on the same day, Social president Gary Johnson played the first competitive match on the new green when he met top Hampshire bowler Jim Marsland, from Cove, in the National Seniors singles. Johnson secured a fine 21-18 win after a hard-fought match.

Flo Ward and Hazel Marke went through in the Hampshire O55 pairs against Whitchurch, while Sue Murray and Marjorie Rowledge managed a last-end win against local rivals Linda Habberfield and Norma Craighill (Alton BC) in the County pairs.

In the men’s County pairs, there were wins for Gordon Summerhill and Mark Fyfield against Yateley (27-5) and for Dick Holden and Adam White at Fleet Social (18-16). Barry Smith and Gary Johnson suffered a last-end defeat at Cove.

Adam White recorded a two-shot win over A Woodger at Cove in the Hampshire two-wood singles. In the County four-wood singles, Dick Holden played out a tight match against Ivan Albrighton of Aldershot Traco, eventually coming through 21-17.

In the men’s National two rinks, Alton Social, having conceded home advantage, travelled to Kingsclere BC and gained a five-shot victory in a see-saw contest.

Social have made their best start for a long time in the Basingstoke Fours League, winning at both Andover and Whitchurch. Social are mid-table in the Whitchurch League Div 2 (mixed triples) after a win, draw and a loss. They have beaten Marnell and Hook in their first two Stan Hardman Mixed League fixtures.