DAY three of the Weymouth and Portland Bowls Tournament saw a series of nail-biting contests in the men's singles.

The fine run of last year's runner-up Francis came to an end at the hands of Harvey (Marlow) 21-11. Patterson (Greenhill) continued in winning form and he now meets Mulholland (Melcombe) in the next round.

Thomas (Aberdare) had a close match against Matthews (Ardagh) losing narrowly in the final two ends 21-17. Matthews now faces Crabb (Greenhill) who was in fine winning form in his match against Belston (Bristol Greenbank).

Roberts (EUCBC) had a gripping match against Hawkins (Bristol Greenbank). Being only one shot down with the score at 11-12 he then had two disastrous ends loosing eight shots. He fought back bravely however and finally took the match 21-20.

Another extremely close match developed between Ross (Marlow) and Goddard (Greenhill). Ross finally won 21-20. The men's pairs also gave the many spectators a series of entertaining matches. The Topp brothers (Wellworthy) and Lawley/Whateley (Dorchester) both secured narrow one shot victories. Davey/Pearce (Melcombe/Wellworthy) were 13 shots down at six ends but fought back to lead 19-17 with one end to play. An extra end however had to be played but they came through to win with the score at 21-19.

The father and son pairing of Wise (Wellworthy) were also taken to an extra end that they finally took by one shot. Fellows/Tovey (Greenhill /Melcombe) fought hard against Attwood/Grey (Shaftesbury) but finally lost while Ross/Sidebotham found form against fellow Greenhill competitors Langridge/Craig securing an 18-15 victory. The young Oliver brothers were again on target, securing a fine 19-16 win against stiff opposition in the form of Wise/Howell (Marlow).

Last year's tournament winners Young/Lockwood (Dorchester) also came through with a convincing 23-11 success.

The Ladies Pairs commenced with a fine 31-7 win for Twohig/Whyte (Selwood/Melcombe). Skinner/Robertson (Wellworthy) were involved in a nail-biting match against Smith/Crawford (Greenhill) eventually winning 20-18.

Last summer's champions Lester/Kay (Knyveton Gardens) came through on the final end to take their match 20-19. The Wellworthy pairings of Davis/Austin, Burns/Willis and Wilkes/Ives all secured convincing wins.

Meanwhile all are invited to try their hand at the Swinging Wood competition at Melcombe this evening using an original set of Lignum Vitea woods that are 106 years old. All proceeds will be donated to the lifeboat.