PLAYING away against a strong Rayne league side was always going to be tough for Courtaulds Halstead Bowls Club's carpet bowlers and it proved that way as the visitors won two and drew two, but lost eight of the 12 games.

Shirley Brace, David Cole, Daphne Staton and skip Bob Brace started well with a comfortable 7-1 opening victory, but went on to lose their next two games 5-2.

Heather Cole, Barbara Jones, Eric Marson and skip Terry Reynolds had a gruelling first game in which the away side held on for a deserved 8-8 draw.

The Halstead quartet followed that by cruising to a comfortable 6-1 victory, but just missing out in their third game as they were beaten 8-7.

Meanwhile, Brenda Mandry, Malcolm Wayne, Bill Wilson and skip Trevor Wignal had two difficult games, losing 7-3 and 10-4, but the third game ebbed and flowed, with Halstead holding on for a creditable 4-4 draw.

However, the quartet of Stan Jones, Mick Mills, Tony Jones and skip Roy Whicker Clemence lost all three of their games 9-3, 5-2, and 6-2.