Bowls clubs got some serious competition in as they dodged the showers.

Harpenden enjoyed a great in the Ladies National Top Club, winning a tight divisional quarter-final against Welwyn & District.

In a gripping match, it came down to the triples to seal the result after superb wins for Carole Garfield in the singles, against England's Rhianna Russell, and the fours had left the match poised at 2-1.

The maths was simple, avoid defeat by six shots, and they did, although they needed the last end to manage it.

They now face a trip to Herts BC in the semi-final next month.

In the Herts County Triples, the Townsend trio of Peter Thomson, Alan Charran and Matt Pope were drawn away against Batchwood in the third round.

And after a tight opening, Townsend eased away to win 21-5.

They went almost straight into the next round but away to Sawbridgeworth, the outcome was the same, Townsend winning this one 18-7.

They face Kings Langley in the quarter-finals.

St Albans concluded a busy weekend with their annual President's Day on Bank Holiday Monday, involving mainly mixed teams from within the club.

Fixtures against other clubs included two ladies' matches, the first a quarter-final tie against Potters Bar in the Hertfordshire section of the Women's National Top Club competition.

St Albans won the singles and pairs convincingly so although they lost in the triples and fours, they advanced with by 70 shots to 61.

A friendly against Shire Park saw a 33-26 success, winning one of the two rinks 24-6.

There were also some successful open days.

Townsend had numerous visitors try the sport for the first time, all showing great enthusiasm, while St Albans hosted two days, getting good weather for the most part.