DOVERCOURT lost on all three rinks and 8-0 on points in their Premier League contest against Happy Valley.

However, they hope it was nothing more than an early-season blip after impressive victories against Clacton and Frinton.

Dovercourt had a convincing win against Clacton B, winning on all three rinks and taking the league points 8-0.

The top rink was skipped by Harry Manning, assisted by Greg Bloss, Brian Hopkins and Mark Hale.

Dovercourt then recorded a second good win against Frinton, winning on two of the three rink and taking the league points 6-2.

The top rink was skipped by Hale, assisted by Bloss, Graham Mond and Hopkins.

Dovercourt were also in action against Wivenhoe, in the Stanford League.

However, Wivenhoe turned up a man short, causing them to forfeit a quarter of the points on one rink.

However, this did not make any difference to the final score, with Dovercourt winning on two of the three rinks, taking the points 6-2.

The top rink was skipped by Roy Petts, assisted by Chris Cook, Charlie Gibson and Jim Pottinger.

Dovercourt played Happy Valley in their annual friendly but the final result was anything but, with Dovercourt losing on five rinks out of six and by a final score of 133-78.

Dovercourt's winning rink was skipped by Pam Bloom, assisted by Carol Sutton and John Huckle.

In an early Group One Unbadged Double Fours game, Dovercourt lost 23-17 to Brightlingsea.

In their next match, Dovercourt visited Happy Valley in the Stanford League and suffered a heavy defeat, losing on two out of the three rinks, 25-13, 11-23 and 7-29.

The league points were 6-2 in the Valley's favour.

Dovercourt's winning rink was skipped by Keith Forsyth, assisted by Chris Barker, John Rippin and John Welch.

In the Premier League, Dovercourt welcomed Clacton A, arguably the strongest team in this league, and won on two of the three rinks with a score of 64-58, therefore taking the league points 6-2.

Once again, the top rink was skipped by Manning, assisted by Ron Elliott, Steve Day and Sid Ellmer.

Dovercourt welcomed Colchester Ardleigh for the sides' annual friendly.

Although Dovercourt only won on one rink, the game was played with a strong spirit of friendship between the two clubs.

Their winning rink was skipped by Clive Pettican, assisted by Flora Dick and Charlie Gibson.

Dovercourt Bowls Club are looking for new members and offering free coaching to those who are interested.

Just turn up at their green in Fronks Avenue at 6pm on Mondays with flat shoes or phone Peter Martin on 01255 556204.