THE inaugural Dorchester Business Bowls League season came to a finish, at a presentation evening held at the Dorchester Bowls Club, when the town Mayor Coun Stella Jones presented the winner’s trophy to Dorchester Timber.

The concept of encouraging firms and businesses in the county town to enter teams in a competitive sponsored league, was the brainchild of county town bowls club chairman Colin Lawley, during a holiday in Australia, when he saw such a venture running successfully there, and he hoped it could be introduced to businesses in Dorchester.

On his return, he approached firms in the town, and the offer to take part was taken up by Henry Ling Printers, Dorchester Timber, Batten and Co, Lofts and Co, Dorset Cereals, and Pugsley Revel, all of whom agreed to sponsor a team. Dorchester Timber fielded two teams.

Sue Lofthouse, the club’s coaching co-ordinator, organised a series of introductory sessions for participants with no bowling experience, and a full programme of fixtures was played on Thursday evenings.

Dorchester Town Council backed the venture and put up a trophy to encourage community participation.

Following matches played between October and March, it was Dorch-ester Timber who topped the league table, and the season finished with an informal evening of bowls where teams were selected at random, from all competitors who had taken part in what was a successful venture.

As a result of the response to the league, it has been agreed to make it an annual event, with an open invitation for more businesses to take part next year.

In presenting the cup and prizes, Coun Jones congratulated the club and players on their achievement, and referred to the long association that the bowls club and council had forged over the past 25 years.

The evening concluded with re-freshments organised by Rob Jenn-ings and lady club members.

The proceeds of a collection among the players, was handed to the mayor by Brian Tucker, for her annual charity.