Townsend Bowls Club opened its green at the weekend after the winter break and were led by Hertfordshire`s only current international bowler Andrew Briden.

Member Briden bowled the first wood. Hertfordshire have not had a full international bowler for more than 40 years until he was capped last season.

Townsend is St Albans' only independent club, and is situated near the centre of the city, in Waverley Road. New members, of all levels of experience and age, are welcome, and free tuition and guidance will be provided.

For more details contact Jane Dixon on 01727 812385 or Peter Thomson on 01727 864453 or by emailing j.m.dixon@herts.ac.uk or p.thomson@sky.com.