LOCAL bowls clubs have commenced their seasons, battling through early weather disruptions in national competitions.

Several matches have already taken place, with Howard Park securing a victory over Old Basing with a score of 32-19, Kingsclere edging out Farnborough 32-29, and Oakley winning 35-22 against Andover in the National Men’s Double Fours.

In a surprising twist, Kingsclere was eliminated from the Top Club event, losing to Alton by three disciplines to two.

In the fiercely contested Division 1 of the Basingstoke Men’s Fours league, Kingsclere and previous winners Alton Social remain undefeated following two matches.

In the second division, Whitchurch "B" leads without a loss so far. The Whitchurch League Mixed Triples has several undefeated teams across its divisions.

Teams such as Basingstoke Spades and Littleton Leopards in Division 1, Howard Park Kestrels in Division 2, Andover Eagles in Division 3 and Marnell Jades and Friary in Division 4 remain unbeaten.

The Stan Hardman Thursday afternoon league has also started, with Basingstoke Spades leading Area 1 with 14 points. The runner up in Area 4 is St Mary Bourne, closely followed by Oakley Admirals.

In between these clashes, clubs also have been hosting open days for potential new members, keen to support Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend on May 25-26.