EAST Lancs Club have enjoyed a remarkable season of success in team competitions that will go down as one of the best in their history of achievements.

The men's A team were in sparkling form in both Blackburn and Darwen League competitions to win the respective division one titles.

To win either division is quite an achievement, but to do the double marks an outstanding season.

The team also reached the semi finals of the Blackburn League Infirmary Cup and Moorfield KO Trophy in Darwen.

East Lancs ladies A team also had a memorable campaign to win the Blackburn League First Division championship.

With an eye to the future, some members of the club have been running coaching sessions for up and coming new bowlers.

Every Saturday morning Stuart Skinner, Mike Sutcliffe and Nick Wilson have organised lessons for any age group.

It has certainly paid dividends since approximately a dozen youngsters between 10-16 years of age have begun to take up bowls seriously as a sport.

Already they have been given a taste of team bowling in local leagues and by all reports are thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Lots of clubs have brought in new players but little has been done on such a grand scale to encourage youngsters since the famous breeding ground at Highfield Park came to an end over a decade ago. Besides a welcome injection of numbers taking up bowls, youngsters today are the "lifeblood" of the game tomorrow and for the likes of the East Lancs Club, security for the future.

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