ALCESTER’S crown green bowlers endured a disappointing week.

In the Yardley Wood League, Alcester’s A team were narrowly beaten by just five shots when they visited Henley A in Division Two.

Alcester had three winning cards, from Renny Bannister (21-10), Ken Craddock (21-11) and John Slater (21-16).

Henley also delivered a heavy blow to Alcester when the respective B teams met at Alcester in Division 4. Again Alcester gained 3 winners, Val McDermott (21-13), Rick Horton (21-14) and David Hodgson (21-20), but this time lost by 37 shots overall.

Things got no better in the Heart of England League.

In Division Two, Alcester A visited arch rivals White Hart A, where they were defeated by 40 shots. Only John Alderson (21-11) and Renny Bannister (21-18) won games.

It was heartbreak for Alcester B when they hosted runaway leaders Solihull Marsh Lane in Division Five. A win would have secured promotion, but Alcester were edged out.

Highlight of the evening for Alcester was a superb 21-4 victory by Ken Craddock, with Jean Sherrington (21-12), Jean Craddock (21-19) and Gill Evans (21-20) also providing winning cards.

The only win of the week was provided by the B team in the Heart of England League Over-60s Division Six, as they got the better of Marston Green B by 39 shots.