BRAINTREE Bowls Club's Ladies and Gentlemen Chairperson Bowling teams started their annual outdoor fixture on an immaculately-prepared and pristine lush green.

With four rinks taken up with mixed triples and the greens only using short jacks to protect the early tender grass, plus the excellent weather conditions, it was an excellent opening to the new outdoor season.

Because of the unequal number of lady and gentlemen members, the teams were mixed, which added to the enjoyment of the match.

The outright winning team were representing the lady chairperson, although the margin was by only a few shots.

To encourage new members and promote the game of bowls within the district, the club are holding an Open Day on Saturday.

It will start at 11am at the clubhouse in Clare Road - entrance between numbers 29 and 30 - Braintree.

Any interested new or present bowlers can also get in touch with club secretary Richard Dodd on 01376 326142

or visit the website at www.braintreebowlingclub.co.uk

As a prelude to the Chairperson's match, there had been a charitable coffee morning event at the club a few days earlier and a belated Easter egg hunt for children.

Macmillan Cancer Support were the recipients of the funds collected.