BRIDESTOWE Short Mat Bowls Club celebrated their 20th anniversary by finishing runners-up in the Merton Charity Short Mat Bowls League division two.

The club had finished in last place every year they had competed in the league up until this year.

In previous years the club first and foremost looked to provide every club player with the opportunity to play in the fixtures irrelevant to ability or experience.

This year with the consent of the club members it was decided that the team would comprise the strongest players in an attempt to move away from bottom place.

Bridestowe started with a string of wins and remained on the top of the league for several months before being finally pushed back into second place by the overall winners Hatherleigh Short Mat bowls club.

At Bridestowe Village Hall on April 21 the Bridestowe team were presented with the runner up shield and cup and individual trophies by the club chair person, Brenda Johnson.