TWO Olveston bowlers will link up this weekend as Gloucestershire look to open their Middleton Cup campaign with victory.

Gloucestershire will, though, face a stiff opening test in their first group match of the competition when they face holders Devon at Cheltenham Bowling Club on Saturday at 2pm.

Olveston’s Paul Bryant and John Smallwood will join with Ben Coldrick, of Barnwood, and Cheltenham’s Chris Roach in the four-man first rink team.

Gloucestershire manager Rob Griffiths believes that, following a learning curve against Devon last season at Topsham, the county side can compete more efficiently with the players selected, who have a wealth of experience and will be looking for revenge.

Gloucestershire side. Rink One. John Smallwood, Paul Bryant (both Olveston), Ben Coldrick (Barnwood), Chris Roach (Cheltenham).

Rink Two: Shaun Morris, Dougie Lewis, Matt Curtis (all Gloucester City), Mike Prosser (Gloucester Spa).

Rink Three: Adam Smith (Dowty), Jim Luce, Nigel Cansdale (both Fairford), Lee Williamson (Cheltenham).

Rink Four: David Heath, Nick Holliday, Mark Perry (all Cheltenham), Keith Hinder (Dursley).

Rink Five: Jack Daniels (Bishops Cleeve), Dave Howes (Stroud), James Speller, Steve Knight (both Cheltenham).

Rink Six: John Roach, Nathan Kitchen, Matt Cuthbert (all Cheltenham), Max Risby (Cirencester).

* Gloucestershire women open up their Johns Trophy group matches with a trip to Taunton Deane Bowls Club on Saturday at 1.30pm to face Cornwall.

Looking to progress out of the group they have introduced joint managers this season Gill Hodder and Angela Wildsmith who will be looking to stem the flow of the side having been in winning positions in recent seasons only to come unstuck in the final run in.

A squad of 29 players will be cut to fill 24 places.