Braintree Bowling Club’s ladies’ triples teams started their Essex County campaigns with wins in both their opening matches of the new season.

At home against a strong Great Baddow trio, the Braintree threesome of skip Pat Hart, Sue Jones and Lynn Bottrill overcame losing the first end as all contributed to a 21-13 victory.

Meanwhile, the experienced Braintree triple of Donna Law, Roni Taylor and Rita Dodds eased to a 33-6 win at Princess Marie Louise Bowling Club in Chelmsford.

Back on home turf, Martin Law started the Essex Singles with a closely-fought victory against R Etheridge from Steeple Bumpstead.

Hart was also in action in the Essex Ladies’ Pairs alongside Lynda Butcher but this time it ended in a 29-18 defeat by a duo from Great Baddow.

In the North West Essex League, all three Braintree teams lost their opening games and there was also a defeat for the club by Great Baddow in the first round of the pairs competition.

The only winners in the Central Mid Week Bowling League Pairs were Olive and Eddie Hawkins who triumphed 18-15 in another duel against Great Baddow.

There was another honour for the club as two of their young players – Josh Heffernan and James Rippey – were selected to play for the Essex County Bowling Association against Cambridgeshire in a game played at Braintree.

It was recognition that the club’s playing surface is in excellent condition to warrant County matches and also of the quality of players they are able to produce.

Heffernan and Rippey have now played in the two opening Eastern Counties League games and helped Essex to a 17-5 win against Hertfordshire and an 18-4 success against Cambridgeshire.