Halstead Courtauld Bowls Club’s men’s C team continued their winning streak in the North West Essex League with a 6-2 win at Witham Mill Lane A.

Ernie Simmonds’ and Bob Brace’s rinks both won in a 6-2 victory for Halstead.

The men’s B team, captained by Tony Jones, had a disappointing start to their campaign, though, losing on two rinks in a 6-2 defeat by Tiptree Jobserve A.

Terry Bocking, Tony Jones and Gerry Cook set off at a pace and were leading for the first half of their game, but a heavy score against them on the 11th end saw their opponents catch up and the Halstead trio lost by seven shots after 18 ends.

Geoff Hughes, Malcolm Braithwaite and Roy Clemence played a very close game with ends going for and against, before it ended in a four-shot loss, but there was success on the third rink for Mike Bristow, Dennis Hume and Ray Joslin.

They managed to retain their lead and finished with a 15-13 win.

Clive Cracknell’s A team had an awful start to their season, being defeated 7-1 at Bocking Alliance, with only John Ovel’s rink salvaging a point with the very last bowl of the game.

A friendly match against Boreham at Colchester Road saw a draw after four games.

Marion Smith, Bob Tuck and Terry Reynolds had a close game, winning 24-17, while Terry Bocking, Mike Britsow and Joan Howlett also secured a 23 -14 victory.

However, a 31-5 loss for Anne Jackson, Doreen Stubbs and Stan Jones and a 25-9 defeat for Ron Guthrie, Eric Marson and Betty Burrell resulted in Courtauld losing by 26 shots.

Halstead ladies had a warm welcome at their match at Maldon. Courtauld were victorious, with Joan Howlett skipping her triple to an inspiring 34-5 win and Margaret Partridge’s team winning 21-6.