Newcomer Neil lifts shield at Court awards do.

bowls ERDINGTON Court Bowls Club's Indoor Presentation Dinner attracted a full house again - with more than 60 prize winners and runners-up, of whom more than half were ladies.

Sponsors Neil and Heather Hillman of low cost utility distributors 'So Different' were special guests.

Competitions Secretary Peter Yates gave an upbeat assessment of the Court's inter club competitive success and reported a 25 per cent increase in entries for the club's own competitions, particularly from the club's growing ladies' squad - and from the continuing inflow of new members.

Newcomer Neil Ballinger from New Oscott took the Fred Crowhurst League shield.

New prize winners this year included Denise Szostek and Tom Collier from Sutton Coldfield and Ruth Acum from Handsworth Wood.

Sponsors Jarrod Morgan Financial Planning of Lichfield provided the winners of the Sandy Powell trophy each with tickets for afternoon tea at the Ramada hotel for them and their partners.

Meanwhile, with the outdoor season in full swing, the Court's ladies have made a strong start in the Birmingham-wide Ivy League.

The Blue team of Terry Yates, Shirley Watts, Joyce Terry and Eileen Merrick won away from home against last year's Ivy League winners, Handsworth Wood 15-8. The yellow team of Pat Court, Denise Szostek (making her league debut), Chris Reid and Lorely Edwards showed good early season form, posting a 31-9 win at home against West Midlands Police.

Erdington Court has six all-weather outdoor rinks and welcomes new members of all abilities, providing free coaching where required.

You can contact them on 07967 686230 and view their website at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk. You can also follow the club on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on twitter @bowlsflat.