Stratton Churchways A and Faringdon finished all square on 77 shots each in the latest matches in the Swindon and District Four Rink Bowls League, writes RAY BURROUGHS.

The Faringdon rinks of J Osbourne beat Ian Gough 22-16 and Maurice Simpson beat Stratton's Dave Humphreys 22-13.

Churchways fought back with wins from Peter Cann, who beat Marcus Lapthorn 25-16 and Alan Goff accounted for John Durham 23-17 to ensure both sides shared seven points each.

In another exciting match in the section, bottom club North End were denied victory by just one shot, losing to Penhill 73-72.

Both sides won two rinks apiece as Reg Pickett's 26-13 shot win over John Renicks for Penhill just tipped the scales in his side's favour.

Irvine Miller picked up a further two points for Penhill with a 20-16 rink win over John Pheby.

Town Gardens continued to head the section despite losing to Stratton Churchways A 90-62.

They recovered to beat County Ground 88-69 in their second match of the week.

Other games in the section resulted in victories for Purton who beat Garrards by six shots 73-67, Wanborough who beat second in the table Marlborough and West End who registered 100 shots to 49 against Haydon Wick.

Division One leaders Rodbourne Cheney kept up their 100 per cent record with a 97-65 success over Highworth, winning all four rinks.

Second in the table Wootton Bassett B beat Swindon 73-67.

There was another close encounter at Wroughton when the home side gained a two-shot win over Wootton Bassett A, 78-76.

Also picking up useful wins were Supermarine B, 82-74 over Stratton Churchways B, Shrivenham 96-54 over Westlecot A and Cricklade, who accounted for Supermarine A 77-70.