BOWLING: Southampton & District Bowling Association president Les Smith hailed a “brilliant” outdoor bowls season as the campaign was wrapped with the annual men’s presentation evening at Pirrie Park.

The Woolston & District bowler was overjoyed with the way the summer’s bowling went, but was quick to state that local clubs must try and welcome more youngsters to ensure the future of the sport in the city.

“It’s been brilliant,” he said. “It is something very unique and I was honoured to take on the job (of president) this year.

“All the clubs have been very good and very supportive.

“We now need more youngsters to come on board to play the sport.

“The weather has been ideal this year.

“Early doors it was wet but, overall, it’s been terrific.”

The evening at Pirrie Park on Wilton Crescent saw the great and the good of local bowls celebrate.

Among the speeches deputy president David Hughdie announced that the Southampton & District association is thriving.

“This is without doubt one of the best district associations in bowls,” he said. “Many counties are very complimentary about how strong this (Southampton & District) is.”

Hughdie went onto thank the support the association has continued to receive from all local clubs.

Among the awards, World Singles Champion of Champions Tom Bishop collected the under 25 singles trophy and Chas Swift picked up his singles competition winner’s trophy.

There was big focus on Bishop who picked up the impressive world competition victory in New Zealand late last year.

It was also an opportunity to celebrate Hampshire’s incredible Middleton Cup victory and the success plays across all ages.

Administrator Eddie Rowe was also on hand to give a speech. The Southampton & District will now reconvene in 2015 ahead of another season.

A two-page picture special from the Southampton & District Bowling Association presentation appears in this weekend's Sports Pink