LAST weekend heralded the start of a new outdoor bowls season and the conclusion of the competitive indoor campaign, writes DAVE EATON.

Many local clubs opted to commence bowling outdoors last weekend, but those that did not open their greens this coming Saturday and Sunday for the traditional drive-in.

One of those clubs is Town Gardens who celebrate their 100th birthday this year and open their green today (2pm) with a special centenary celebration.

By the end of April all local clubs will have begun their various league campaigns in earnest and county games commenced.

As the traditional opener with Swindon & District had to be postponed owing to the green being double booked, Wiltshire men kick off their new season on Sunday, April 29 with an under 25s friendly away against Somerset (2pm) at Norwest BC, Midsomer Norton.

The following weekend on Sunday, May 6, they will play another under 25 friendly away to Hampshire at Cove, Farnborough.

Both games will be four rink matches with a total of 26 players taking part and looking to impress the county junior selectors.

Wiltshire Ladies do not commence their 2012 season until Saturday May 5 when they stage an in-house John’s Trophy squad trial at Westlecot.

  • THREE Wiltshire players have been selected to take part in the England men’s international trials due to be staged at Norgren Bowls Club in Warwickshire, over the weekend of May 26-27.

Graham Shadwell (Spencer Moulton, Bradford on Avon) has been named in the senior trial.

He is an established senior international for the past 10 years and a near certainty to feature again for England during the 2012 outdoor season.

Michael Richards (Westlecot) and Wayne Snook (Holt) have been awarded junior trials and both are hoping to break into the England junior team for the first time.

Both played prominent parts as skips in the Wiltshire men’s under 25 double rinks team that reached the semi-finals of the White Rose Trophy last year.

Richards, 22, returns to the trials scene after being chosen in 2009 and 2010 following his superb showing in the national senior singles at Worthing, despite being only a teenager when losing in the semi-final to established international Simon Skelton.

It is the first time that Holt player Snook, 23, has been called up for an England outdoor trial.

Richards and Snook will be looking to emulate Wootton Basset’s Michael Snell, who was the last Wiltshire player to gain England junior international honours in 2006 and 2007.

Meanwhile, Wootton Bassett Bowls Club are holding a new bowlers evening on Friday, April 27 (6pm).

All equipment and coaching will be provided free of charge but anyone attending is asked to bring along a pair of flat soled shoes.

Further details can be obtained from Alan Small on 01793 853300.