Change at the top in Forbes Road COVID League

Dave Toynton and Merv Pack had been in the top group since the first week of Forbes Road Bowls Club's COVID League.

Two weeks ago John Thorogood made his way there but, despite draw with Dave, a heavy defeat to Merv meant relegation.

This week he claimed a last-end win against Dave, who now faced the drop unless he could beat Merv.

A comfortable 30-12 win saw Merv needing to beat John by 11 to stay up, but John held his nerve to lose by only three to see Merv out of the top division for the first time.

Syd Oldfield has been getting closer each week to a win and finally broke his duck with a 22-12 win over John Mitchell.

The return match saw a reverse result with John winning 34-8 to take him into the Red group.

Blue group this week found Ray and Janet Loughran competing with Pete Sharman. Ray beat Pete but Janet then beat husband Ray 28-12.

This left Pete needing to win by 11 against Janet but a victory of 8 sees Pete in bottom spot and into the purple group.

Janet became the first lady to make it into the top group.

The Red Group came to a last match decider between Tony Hall and Helen Holroyd.

A score of 26-13 saw Helen progress to the Orange group.

A slightly different format next week will see all except the top division play a single match against bowlers seven places lower, with the winner taking the higher spot.