HEREFORDSHIRE CBA entertained Somerset at Leominster for the annual friendly match on a day of heavy showers, and achieved four winning rinks in a 128 shots to 110 victory.

Before the start it was agreed between both presidents that the match be curtailed to 18 ends in view of the conditions, but that this be reconsidered if the weather improved.

There was a great improvement during the match and it was decided to complete the full 21 ends, and what a wake-up call this was to Herefordshire.

After 18 ends, Somerset led 99-93, but on the final three ends Herefordshire staged a remarkable comeback, scoring 35 shots against 11 conceded across the green to win by 18 shots.

Colin Reading skipped the highest home rink when, after leading 15-13 after 18 ends, they scored 15 shots in the last three ends to win 30-13. This rink conceded only six ends with Alec Carter and Terry Knight playing top-class front-end bowls and Don Pugh giving excellent back-up to the skip as required.

Ron Perry's rink were always in control and led throughout, fully deserving their 27-15 success, and the rink skipped by Dave Holloway were down 19-13 after 18 ends but scored nine shots in the remaining ends for a 22-19 win.

The rink skipped by Brian Cade were down 18-15 down after 18 ends, but picked up four shots to win 19-18, while Frank Harwood's rink had a hard-fought encounter before going down 20-17. Fred Williams' rink led 9-7 after 11 ends, but conceded 16 shots against four on the remaining ends to go down 23-13.

The Leominster greenkeeper, Ray Walker, was thanked and congratulated by both presidents for his excellent preparation of the green under very trying conditions.