Author Unknown

Hampshire won the Balcomb Trophy as England’s double-rink champions, defeating Essex 52–34 in the final after overcoming Devon in the semi-final. Peter Ward led Hampshire’s decisive second-half surge, while Richmond Park, skipped by Linda Johnson alongside Monica Niemier and Trish Gray, won the Hampshire benevolent triples. Other results included New Milton’s victory in the Golden Girls’ pairs and Swanmore’s second-place finish in the over-55 pairs.

Ringwood reclaimed the New Forest League title for the first time since 2010 after defeating Lymington 6-2. Brockenhurst secured second place after beating Milford, while Fordingbridge A advanced its Division Three challenge and Lymington recorded a full-house victory over New Milton in Division Four. Brockenhurst also narrowly defeated Iford Bridge 6-2.

New Milton players Brian Gordon, John Nibloe and skip Steve Hockham qualified for the Bowls England Championships after beating Fareham 15–9 in the Hampshire triples semi-final at Atherley. They lost the county final to Eastleigh Railway, while Boscombe Cliff’s Nicky Jones also qualified for Worthing as the Hampshire singles runner-up after losing to Mark Hammond.

Knyveton Gardens recovered from two defeats by beating Swanage 115-47 and taking all 14 points in their Section Three match. Elsewhere, Iford Bridge extended its winning run, Argyll moved second, and Boscombe Cliff recorded a decisive Section One victory over Poole Park. Southbourne, New Milton, West Moors, Richmond Park and Ferndown also registered important wins, while Highcliffe remained without a victory and several clubs battled for position across Sections Two through Six.