St Andrews narrowly lost to Bristol in the national Top Club competition.

Bristol's eight-point victory margin may seem significant, but four out of the five matches were closely contested.

St Andrews' mixed four secured a win by 13 shots.

Had the match ended in a tie on points, this victory might have clinched the overall win for St Andrews.

However, narrow defeats in both singles matches, each carrying two points, left St Andrews needing to win the fours and one of the other disciplines.

In the pairs, despite trailing throughout the match, Becky McMillan and Sam Stocker appeared to be on course for victory, leading 17-10 with five ends to go.

However, they ultimately lost by four shots.

St Andrews is now looking forward to another weekend of competition, with their men’s team facing Clevedon in the Denny Cup on Saturday and a mixed team going up against Nailsea in the Egham Trophy on Sunday.

In other news, St Andrews duo Clare and Charlie Andrews showcased their skills by winning a charity American Pairs tournament at Saltford, near Bristol.

St Andrews now has its own short mats, and all are welcome to play there on Thursday evenings.