Not so long ago, in a galaxy fairly close to home...

Open Days have been a great way for bowls clubs to invite newcomers to their club and into the sport.

Letchworth Garden City Bowls Club are no different but as their's fell on May 4, it attracted some that may not have been expected.

The Comet: Stormtroopers from Star Wars paid a visit to Letchworth Bowls Club. Picture: LGCBCStormtroopers from Star Wars paid a visit to Letchworth Bowls Club. Picture: LGCBC (Image: Letchworth Garden City Bowls Club)

May 4 is now known as Star Wars Day, using the pun 'may the fourth be with you', and two imperial stormtroopers arrived at the club's upper green at Norton Common to play in their own unique style.

Whether they will return is unknown bu a club spokesman said: "People of all ages including young children had a go at bowling and discovered how enjoyable it can be."

Another Norton Common-based club, North Herts, had a slow start to the outdoor season with a 68-26 loss away to Riverain, heavy overnight rain not helping the visitors as they lost on all three rinks.

New bowlers can taste bowls at North Herts every Monday at 2pm at the lower green on the common.

Howard Garden played at home on Sunday against Datchworth in the Stevenage Mixed League, winning 62-39.

The hosts also won two of the three rinks, the best of them being Stuart and Mick Abery, Daphne Brothers and Carl Gee, who were convincing victors, 38-8.

That was built on a five picked up on the first end and they continued to pick-up multiple shots.

The other victory was much closer though, Datchworth having raced into an early lead and still ahead 11-8 after 12 ends.

The final six though belonged to the Howard Garden squad of Jeff Brothers, David Weemys, Sandra Jordan and Tony Wood as they fought back to win 14-13.

Datchworth’s only winning rink was that of Maureen Blunt, Chris Hills, George Campbell and Steve Arnold.

They won nine of the first twelve ends, to lead 13-3 and although they only won two of the remaining six, they held on to win 18-10.

Baldock Town had two teams in the National Two Fours competition.

The A team beat Stevenage in a thrilling game which was only decided on the last end, 36-33 overall in Baldock's favour.

The B team are also through after beating Buntingford 39-27.

They also had a SML game, beating Holwell 58-36 to gain all six points, but a midweek friendly at Stotfold ended in a 65-60 loss.