Harpenden’s mixed over 60 two fours are through in the Tony Alcock competition to the National Championship in Leamington for the first time.

Harp booked their place in the next stage after defeating Essex winners Great Baddow 50-31.

The team are one of the top eight sides in the country playing in the quarter-final. It is the first time a Harpenden club team has qualified for the National Championship.

The rink of Dena Roberts, Lesley Tutt, Noel Roberts and Tony Redford scored steadily throughout the game, finishing 17 shots ahead. The other rink, John Williams, Jan Holland, Linda Brooks and David Brooks, had a much closer struggle but finished one shot up. Great Baddow conceded after the 20th end.

There was further personal success for the club in district competitions after David Brooks reached the final of the Champion of Champions and the semi-final of the pairs with Kevin Brazier.

Roberts and Colin Driscoll are also in the semi-finals of the pairs and was joined by Doug Rodger in the last-four of the two wood triples. The ladies are through to the semi-finals of the double rink.

Harpenden men bowled well in their district league match against St Albans to improve their league position. The team won on all rinks to claim maximum points of 80, and a shot score of 107-52. The top rink was Rodger, Chris Poulter, Rob Howell and John Williams.

In the county league, Harpenden continued their unbeaten run winning at Townsend on both rinks. The overall score was 46 shots to 28 and Harpenden collected a further six points.