After a seven-year absence, Victoria Bowls Club took to the green for their first Somerset Indoor County League match against Purnells on Saturday.

Despite the long break, and only having one home rink, the club showed promise.

The home rink of Mike Milliner, Trevor Puddy, Roy Bromet, and Kim Burgess started strong, achieving an 18-12 win after a tight match that finished 9-9 after twelve ends.

However, the club faced tougher competition on the two away rinks, losing 13-19 and 8-24.

This put them down by 16 shots before the afternoon match.

A determined team of Colin Heal, Dave Carpenter, Roger Rocket, and Alan Bradley took on the challenge.

Leading 22-12 after 19 ends, they were on track to turn the match around.

The last two ends were shared, but the Colin Heal team managed a 27-18 win.

Both teams won two rinks, but the overall score was 66-73 in favour of Purnells.

Despite the loss, the Victoria camp maintained a brilliant spirit, with players and supporters enjoying their match, pleased to participate once again in the Somerset league.