The 54th Southend Ladies Open Bowls Tournament got off to a thrilling start at Priory Park with the two-wood triples final going to an extra end.

The 12-day event got underway with the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Tony North, sending down the first wood.

Then, in bright but breezy conditions, 189 ladies took part in the opening competition.

The Rayleigh team of Jean Noakes, Iris Frewin and former singles winner Maureen Newman took on the Castle Point line-up of Linda Elkes, Joan Tarling and Pat Algie at the semi-final stage.

In the other fight for a final spot, two teams based at Priory Park went into action.

The Prittlewell trio of reigning singles champion Peggy Taylor, Marion Taylor and Julie Fairbarns met the Victoria line-up of Jill Flaxman, Brenda Bowyer and ex England indoor President Evelyn Schooling.

Both semis were settled by one shot with the Rayleigh and Prittlewell line-ups winning through.

The final, in fine but breezy conditions, attracted a large crowd and was given a late thriller when Mrs Fairbarns, another former singles title holder, drew three shots on the final end to bring the scores level.

However, the Rayleigh line-up, showing just one change, at lead, from the team which won the two-wood triples last year, emerged triumphant to capture the first prize of the Open.

Attention then switched to the pairs, being played today and tomorrow. Finals day for the ladies is Sunday August 1 with a 2.30pm start.

Made to measure - this quartet keep watch on the scoring as the two wood triples got underway at Priory park

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.