BOWLERS are invariably a happy bunch. Naturally they want to win but the main part of the exercise is to enjoy themselves.

And if ever a match demonstrated this, it was the Hampshire pairs' final between Ann Littlewood and Jean Terrell of Atherley and Banister Park duo Wendy Berry and Midge Pitter.

All four played with smiles on their faces throughout a quality game that was won 21-15 by Atherley, who flew out of the traps and were 12-2 up by the seventh end on the Longmeadow carpet.

Banister Park spent the rest of the game playing catch-up but the damage had already been done and the nearest they got to equality was 13-8 on the 12th and later 15-10 on the 14th.

However, Atherley stifled any thoughts of a late revival by collecting three shots over the next two ends to lead 18-10 on the 16th.

Banister Park were also out of luck in the fours despite an encouraging start from Wendy Foulkes, Gill Dando, Yvonne Bott and Olive Smith, who edged 5-4 in front after eight ends against Felicity Lillywhite, Sue Churchill, Hannah Burden and Linda Hayward of the host club.

Smith's quartet were marooned after that for six ends by which time Longmeadow had skated 19-5 ahead. Although Banister Park then managed a two, that was their final score with Hayward winning the last four ends played to triumph 27-7.

County president Joy Annetts presented trophies - and was especially pleased to hand the fours' honours to a rink from her own club.

Though they did not collect a title at Longmeadow, Banister Park have still enjoyed a memorable season, having taken the Riversmeet Trophy (county league title) for the first time. They will receive the trophy at Riverside on April 12.

Annetts will hold the chain of office until the association's annual meeting in September at Banister Park, at which time she will hand over to Shirley Jobbins of Loddon Vale.