WANSTEAD CENTRAL BOWLS CLUB: won the Valence Bowls Triples League Competition when they defeated St Chads in the final playoffs. Central were convincing champions, winning all three rinks by an overall 64-35 shots. Len Welton, Bob Druce and Rod Hudson defeated Brian Mackenzie, Dennis Franklin and Colin Spelling by 31-13 shots.

Bill Wray, Jim Reynolds and Derrick Kendrick defeated Stuart Mackenzie, Richard Kidd and Dave Jarrold by 19-12 shots. Colin Foster, Geoff Dulieu and Paul Whellams beat John Spinner, John Cottis and Arthur Blackmore, 14-10 shots.

Rod Hudson's rink got Central off to the best possible start when they raced into a 23-2 lead after only eight ends. Paul Whellams and Derrick Kendrick's rinks were much closer affairs but strong finishes saw them home.

Central's Ladies were not so fortunate in the final of the County Double Fours Competition (Albert Crabb Trophy). They lost out to Romford Ladies 53-30 shots, losing both rinks. Doris Barham, Joyce Johnson, Barbara Sankey and Maureen Norgate were beaten 17-25. Yvonne Wilson, Pat Reynolds, Janet Bird and Isobel Anderson lost 13-28. Isobel Anderson's rink never recovered from dropping five shots on the first end but Mauren Norgate's rink was much closer. Romford Ladies finished with a flourish on the closing ends.

In the finals of the Walthamstow and District Bowling Association, there was mixed fortunes for Central. In the pairs final, Central's Mick Bird and Rod Hudson beat Central's Ryan Kenny, who is just 12 years old and the youngest competitor to appear in these finals, and Russell Hughes, 24-8. In the fours final, Central's Dave Peterson, Peter Shepherd, Ray Green and Derrick Kendrick lost out to a Silverthorn quartet by 14-23 shots.

There was better luck for the same Central foursome in the semi - final of the Ilford District League knockout fours competition, when they were victorious over another Central foursome of Terry Lichkin, Mick Bird, Colin Foster and Geoff Dulieu,21 - 19.

BANTHAM AND ONGAR BOWLS CLUB: returned from a club tour to Lincolnshire, where a party of 27 bowlers played five games against various local clubs in the Lincoln to Grantham area. And the pairing of Mike Nash and Keith Lodge, competing at the Brentwood and District League Affinity Pairs final, fought well but lost to Haynes Park 24-15.

The completion of the ladies leagues saw Bantham and Ongar achieve excellent results, in winning the Harlow District Ladies Triples League and then coming second in the Hartswood League. The men clinched a mid-table position at the final placings of the Brentwood and District League.

CONNAUGHT BOWLS CLUB: played in a strong wind at St Chad's. Connaught, who are South Essex Fours champions, beat Silver End (North Essex champions) 23-16, to become the Hood Cup winners for 2006.

The Connaught four of N Harvey, R Taylor, D Payne and T Mould, overcame good opponents and difficult playing conditions to win and again it was a win over Silver End.

CHIGWELL INDOOR BOWLS CLUB: is holding a series of open days at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 24 from 11am to 4.30pm. The sessions are open to beginners and experienced bowlers with present members able to help and advise. Bowls are provided as well as refreshments. Those going along should wear flat shoes or be prepared to play in stockinged feet.

Invitation is open on the day but for further details, call Barry (01992 613869), Brian (8531 5781), Keith 8550 5495) or Margaret (O1992 650109).

LOUGHTON BOWLS CLUB: hosted the Charity Triples competition. Members organised their own teams and competed in a knock-out event. This was just one of a number of events planned at the club this year, to raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance Service.

There were 12 teams taking part and the final saw Jim Lord, Barbara and Chas Doncaster take on Ted Giles, Bill Collins and Bill Taverner over 18 ends. Doncaster's team raced to a 7-2 lead after just five ends thanks to some tight drawing by Jim Lord and Barbara Doncaster.

Then came the fight-back from Bill Taverner's team. They re-established a good position and then went on to win the next seven ends to transform the scoreline to 13-7 in their favour after 12 ends. But the final scoreline went the way of Doncaster's team, who eventually ran out 16-14 winners.

The victorious trio will now go on to represent Loughton Bowls Club in the overall finals against teams from Buckhurst Hill, Connaught and Woodford. Loughton Bowls (Jim Lord, Barbara Doncaster and Chas Doncaster are pictured with their trophy.).