A FATHER and two sons playing in the same county bowls side is certainly a rarity.

But this coming Saturday the Snell name features prominently on the Wiltshire team sheet to play Warwickshire at Stoke Bowls Club (Coventry) in the group stages of the Middleton Cup.

Father Dave Snell and his two sons Steve, 30 and Michael, 20, who all play for Wootton Bassett, will line-up for the county but on separate rinks.

Dave will skip rink three, Steve is named at three on rink six to Steve Warren, while Michael will lead rink five skipped by Bassett clubmate Neil Smith.

Dave, 56, began playing bowls in 1980 when he stopped playing rugby for Wootton Bassett.

Both Steve and Michael have followed in father's footsteps taking up the game at Bassett and originally being coached by their dad.

Steve and Michael have both suffered bad football injuries and bowls is now their main sport, but Michael is considering playing football again.

The trio have already appeared in the English National Championships at Worthing.

Dave and Steve eight times each while Michael's total at present is only two.

"Both are very good bowlers" said father Dave. "I feel very proud to be playing in the same county side as them."