HEREFORDSHIRE men's county bowlers were narrowly beaten by 120 shots to 117 by Monmouthshire, with each team winning three rinks, at Brimfield on a green which was a credit to the host club.

Herefordshire's highest scoring rink was skipped by Jack Gray with a 26-11 victory. Dave Holloway's rink were next with a 27-14 success, and Gerald Jones skipped his rink to a fine 22-14 win after winning the last nine ends.

Patrick Merredy's rink made a tremendous comeback after being down 4-20 at 11 ends. They were within one shot late in the game, but finally lost 18-26. Richard Brown's rink were always behind and finally went down 12-27, while the heaviest defeat was sustained by Brian Cade's rink who were down 1-20 at 12 ends and finally lost 12-28.

Herefordshire defeated Essex Tourists 125-108 at Kingsland.

Herefordshire skip scores: D Holloway 34-13, J Pedlingham 25-14, R Brown 21-17, C Reading 16-16, F Harwood 17-21, G Jones 12-27.

l Kingsland opened their Nash Rocks League programme with the top score so far this season.

Results: Kingsland 127 (W4), Wellington 57; Kington 82 (W2, D1,L1), Leominster 69; Wellington 84 (W2, L2), Weobley 87.