MONMOUTH Bowls Club opened their green with the traditional ritual of the club president delivering the first bowl of the season.

President Cris Bastin welcomed all the members present and wished them and the club, a successful and enjoyable season.

Members were keen to get in an hour’s practice (while the sunshine lasted!) as there is very little time before the season is in full swing.

Action in the Gwent Bowls League (GBL) begins on Saturday May 2 with a visit to Cross Keys, followed by another away fixture at RTB, Ebbw Vale on May 9.

On Sunday May 3, Sean Croudace and Haydn Holder will be aiming to repeat their success of two years ago when they won the EMBA (East Monmouthshire) pairs, this time in the over-60s pairs.

The finals were due to be played in September 2025 but had to be postponed due to heavy rain.