Andrew Croft began this season’s competitions in the same way he ended last season’s – winning a trophy.

The reigning men's champion and partner Clive Thomas collected the David Johns Trophy after remaining unbeaten in their seven games throughout the day.

In largely glorious sunshine and under blue skies, 12 teams took part, playing the Australian Pairs format.

Andrew and Clive and Nicola Coles and Stephen Banks were the only pairs who won all their preliminary matches – and it looked like the latter might be picking up the trophy as they won the first two of the three-ends final.

But Andrew and Clive wiped out the three-shot deficit on what would have been the final end, taking it to a deciding fourth.

Seagull

Despite an uninvited interruption by our resident seagull, the two men held their nerve to take a three-shot lead with Nicola’s final wood to come.

Her valiant effort knocked out two of the three but could not dislodge the third, granting Andrew and Clive the narrowest of victories – 4-3.

During the day, Linda Huntley and Mark Gooch had been very much in contention, with some high-scoring victories in the four-ends games.

But a surprise defeat at the end cost them dearly, paving the way for Nicola and Stephen to join Andrew and Clive in the final.

All 24 bowlers were treated to lunch prepared by Tina Milsom and her team, but arguably, the entire club were winners, enjoying a day of entertaining bowls and even more entertaining company, watched by supportive fellow clubmates, reflecting the essence of the club's heart and soul.

Captain Graham Brown’s decision to switch to the Australian Pairs format went down well with those taking part, and his organisation ensured the day went without any major hitch.