Mixed conditions welcomed members for the opening weekend of the Manx Petroleum sponsored Outdoor Winter League Bowling Club in a season which I believe will be too close to call with a number of changes in a lot of teams.

Eight sides began their campaigns, with no less than 12 newcomers taking part over the two days, including three juniors, two of which headed home with a win apiece.

The participants included one new outfit, Spare Parts, who have replaced Outsiders; also two new names – Incredabowls (formerly High Flyers), the current champions who have lost four players from their squad and RBM who were known as All Time Low last season and have also been forced to make some changes.

One team who I believe will be in contention come next March are Seven-up and they began with the highest tally over the two days, dropping just 13 points with a total of 167, they also had ‘new faces’ in their line-up. They were followed by Incredabowls on 161; next came Parkers 19 adrift and a further five back were Bits n Bobs who recorded an impressive 80 in their opener on Saturday.

Unfortunately the first midweek round robin due to be held on Wednesday succumbed to the rain; meanwhile all members are reminded to sign-in on good time for a 1pm prompt start each week.