In the match of the day Kevin Stafford, Stephen Della, Greg Taylor and Mick Armstrong defeated Robin Staples, Noel Fraser, Dougal Braithwaite and Ashley Lewis 20-17.

This match was tight in the first few ends until a good spell of bowling from team Armstrong had them go ahead 13-5 after 11 ends.

There was a wealth of talent on show in this match and the experience of the players showed.

Team Lewis worked back into the match and trailed only 18-17 with two ends to play.

But team Armstrong won the last two ends to take out the match by three shots in what was a top trial match.

Kel Limbrick, Dan Ticehurst, Clive Neutze and Bruce Clynes defeated Peter Morales, Rick Reynolds, Gordon Lewis and Bill Meredith 23-18.

Carl Spilker, Paul Leverett, Garry Brown and Stuart Rigg defeated Brian Porter, Don Coleman, Dave Coltman and Russell Knight 26-15.

Bill Pope and Don Chapman defeated John Cummins and Ian Bradburn 21-16.

Brian Payne, Barry Werfel and Owen Williams defeated Joel Hunt, Kevin Jones and Keith Edwards 26-15.

Bob Kennett and Graham Hunt defeated Peter Oates and Glenn Giese 20-16.

Meanwhile Bowral Bowling Club had some keen matches to start the new year in very hot summer conditions.

John Fleming and Keith Edwards defeated Merv Johnson and Dan Ticehurst 23-16 in the match of the day.

After seven ends Fleming and Edwards put down a challenge when they took a 13-1 lead.

Johnson and Ticehurst started rebuilding their game after the 13th end when down 21-4.

From the 14th end to the 19th end they scored two shots on each end and only trailed 21-16.

They were unable to tackle the last two ends losing both, with Johnson and Ticehurst running out seven-shot winners.

Other results:

Joel Hunt and Jim Starkey defeated Joe O'Donnel and Robin staples 21-13.

Owen Williams and Mick Flynn defeated Eric Willacy and Paul Leverett 21-11.

Grahame Hunt and Carl Spilker defeated David Chambers and Kel Limbrick 32-13.

Rick Reynolds, Kevin Jones and Anthony Coismack defeated Kel Limbrick, Barry Werfel and Brian Porter 26-9.

Ian Crow and Bob Edwards defeated Owen Williams and Gordon Lewis 22-11.

Tim Hill, Keith Edwards and Mick Flynn defeated Tom Hill, David Chambers and Carl Spilker 29-19.

Tribute to ken pope

St Stephen's Anglican Church Mittagong was packed on Wednesday, January 3 for the funeral service of Kenneth Andrew Pope.

Ken passed away on December 24.

He was a very talented lawn bowler with many a championship wins at Bowral Bowling Club

He also played at a district and zone level while also runner up in the state triples.

Many tributes have come in regarding Ken.

Ken was the husband of well-known local Nancy Pope, who was the former NSW Ladies State President off Lawn Bowls.

The thoughts of everyone connected with Bowral Bowling Club are with the Pope family at this most difficult time.