THE first match of the new year for the South Warwick-shire Association was played at Malvern Hills against Worcestershire VP's Asso-ciation - a six-rink match over 21 ends.

This was a very friendly match played in the true spirit of bowls.

It was a close match up to the 18th end when the hosts were leading by only one shot overall, but over the three remaining ends SWBA dropped a further 13 shots to the home side.

This was the first win for Worcestershire in eight previous meetings with the visitors.

Scores: Percy Rickells, Robert Ellin, Ray Curtis, Sam Turner 16-21; Peter Shaw, Roy Harris, Peter Stephenson, Mike Brain 23-23; Brian Hannah, Eric Tallis, A Other, Ken Selby 15-23; J Farthing, Tony Laurens, Richard Ashley, Ron Russell 18-15; John Sheppard, Ted Poole, Colin Moffat, Gareth Willcock 20-15; George Moore, Mike Birch, Gordon McClean, Ivor Harris 15-24.

Previous results: SWBA 102, Northamptonshire VP Association 127 (at Wellingborough BC). SWBA 129, Kineton and District Bowls League 123 (at Welford IBC). SWBA 134, Oxfordshire VP Association 88 (at Banbury IBC).