BRIDPORT men's team started the New Year in fine style, picking up 14 of the 16 points in the Wessex League against Stour Vale.

At home, there were good all round performances from the rinks of John Hooper and Ken Hosking, winning by 15 and 9 respectively.

The away rinks were played at the Dolphin, Poole, as Stour Vale had to close their premises in the summer, but are hoping to rebuild in time for next season.

Ken Enticott's four went down by 21 and Ken Giles' four won by eight, thanks to a superb game at two by Brian Conisbee.

Scores: At Bridport: Arthur Stone, Jum Jones, Ivor Parker, John Hooper 29-14; Leslie Crutchley, Brian Morgan, Fred Hewett, Ken Hosking, 25-16.

At Poole: Brian Baker, Brian Conisbee, Bill Payne, Ken Giles, 23-15; Peter Stevenson, Peter Hansford, Cliff Harp, Ken Enticott 10-31.

Bridport Ladies A team were looking to take over top spot in the county league as they travelled to Bournemouth.

It turned into a thriller as both rinks were 16-16 after 20 of the 21 ends.

But it ended in heartbreak for Bridport as Sue Hosking's and Annie Bowden's fours dropped two and four counts to return pointless.

Scores: Frances Hewett, Meg Gill, Margaret Clapp, Sue Hosking, 16-18; Joan Smith, Ronnie Stevenson, Edna Cumberland, Annie Bowden, 16-20.

Margaret Clapp and Sue Hosking won their national pairs zone semi-final against club colleagues Josie Smith and Cynthia Tilbury, 22-11, at East Dorset and on this form, the county champions can match anyone.

In the Purbeck Trophy League, Roy Lidington, Fred Hewett and Peter Stevenson lost by two, but Leslie Crutchley, Eric Raven and Bill Payne secured the four points for overall win, triumphing by 11 against the Dolphin, Poole.