It was going to be a tough ask for the Men at Purnell Bowls Club to travel to Taunton’s Vivary Park last Sunday to play in the final of the Somerset County Wedmore Plate and come away with a win.

They were playing against Taunton on their own green (the venue selected by the County at the start of the season to play the final). They are a Premier League team, finalists in the County Turnball Cup last season and they came to Purnells and beat the A team two weeks ago.

It was beyond belief when Purnells went into an early lead and after fifteen ends, were 36 shots up, but as often happens in sport, things change over the duration of a match.

The home team started to make their home green advantage pay off, gradually clawing back the shot difference over the final six ends.

Purnells’ first rink to finish won by seven shots, the next won by one shot and the third drawing 23–23. The coachload of travelling supporters were now on the edge of their seats with the final rink playing to protect just a four shot advantage which they did, gaining another shot with the Printers winning 77–72.

This tremendous win was just the tonic the club needed after a very poor playing season – it didn’t get any better for the A team, losing again last Saturday to Banwell, it now looks a lost cause to stay in the Premier Division with only two games left to play – it will be Premier Two next season.

There was great joy for both the B team, who travelled to Weston, Bath and won on every rink and the C team had the same result at home to Stotherts B, both gaining a 12–0 win.

The ladies had a good win away to Chew Stoke, winning on every rink.

Purnells’ ever-popular floodlight competition started last Thursday, this year sponsored by Hartwells of Bath.

The club on Saturday morning is the place to be if you would like to learn the wonderful art of bowling. It is for all ages, so just turn up – you will be made most welcome with all equipment provided.

Bryn Hawkins