Norton Bowling Club is celebrating the start of its centenary season. Founded in 1908 and situated behind the Three Horseshoes pub in Norton Road, Letchworth GC, the club has had a long and impressive history. They were a founding member of the Herts Bowl

Norton Bowling Club is celebrating the start of its centenary season.

Founded in 1908 and situated behind the Three Horseshoes pub in Norton Road, Letchworth GC, the club has had a long and impressive history.

They were a founding member of the Herts Bowls Association, and the Letchworth and District Bowls Association.

An open day for anyone who wants to come and try the sport of bowls is being held this Sunday (10am-1pm).

Everyone is welcome, young or old, male or female, experienced bowlers looking for a change of club or new bowlers looking for a club to make their home.

An experienced and friendly instructor is available for help and guidance.

So whatever the weather, call in for a tea or coffee and try your 'bowling' hand at the area's oldest and most unique club.

If you cannot make Sunday, call in on any Tuesday evening after 6pm to meet the members.

The club are also holding a triples gala day on Saturday, June 21.

Entry is for any combination of bowlers with prize money of £100 plus prizes for second and third place.

The cost of entry to the triples is £12 per team and meals can be reserved at a cost of £4 per head.

Full details and entry forms for the triples from Paul K Billson (the club president and treasurer) on 01462 684139, as well as any queries regarding the open day this Sunday.

* Hitchin Town opened their season at Bedford's Russell Park on Saturday, losing by 33 shots (56-89).

On a sunny afternoon, Hitchin were generally slow to adapt to the outdoors game, offering only patchy resistance to a strong home side.

The top Hitchin rink was Joe Corda, Barbara Clark, Mike Wells and Andy Hill, who fought back from a 13-0 deficit to lose 20-16.

* Shefford started their season on Saturday with the ladies losing to Bedford Borough, while the men had a mixed game against Steeple Morden which they lost 84-65.

The highest winning rink for Shefford was Bill Lamb, Baz Gorringe, Malcolm Clarke and Bob Izzard.

Sunday morning saw the club play Biggleswade Town in the national two four competition and won 40-39.

In the afternoon, they played a mixed game at Langford and won by 66-52. The highest winning rink was Dennis Stevens, John Batcheldor and Bob Izzard.

* Datchworth opened their season with an away win at Rosehill in a mixed friendly but defeat at Buntingford.