OLVESTON and District Bowling Club hosted Bradley Stoke Bowling Club to decide the winner of the 2017 season's Friendship Shield.

The game was played in good spirit, even with the interruption of some heavy rain showers sending the bowlers scurrying for cover.

Olveston came out winners on the night and their mid-week captain, Geoff Cook, was delighted to receive the shield from Bradley Stoke's captain, Brian Newman.

"Over the past six years the honours have been equal and I'm delighted we managed to tip the results in our favour" said Geoff.

"As always, it has been a delight to host Bradley Stoke and I'm sure they will continue to give us a tough game and try to equal the number of wins in the future".

After the game, both teams enjoyed a late evening supper where Brian thanked Olveston for their hospitality.

"We tried our best to retain the shield" said Brian, "but on the day, Olveston proved to be the better side".

As an added incentive, both teams were playing for bottles of wine for the highest scoring rink, donated by their individual sponsors, and this contributed to the excitement of the game.

Olveston's winning rink was, Mike Greedy, Jim Whitehart, Harry Greenslade and Steve Pinder with Bradley Stoke's winning rink being Merv White, Kanta Plank, Mark Griffiths and Ron Maggs.