Shoebury Park's Kevin Watkins, rated a good bet for honours before the singles began at the Midland Bank sponsored Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament, is living up to that billing.

When play got underway in the United Friendly Trophy yesterday, Watkins safely negotiated the first two rounds, conceding only five shots in the process.

He started off by pulverising W Rickwood (Southend) 21-1 and then gave Belfairs' Ken Wood precious little chance with a 21-4 success.

However, life could get tougher for Watkins when the singles re-starts tomorrow with the third round as he'll be up against 1995 champion Ernie Burrells (Woodside), who got to this stage with a 21-15 win over 1993 title holder Vic Hennessy (Gloucester Park).

Defending champion John Horrex, from Rochford, is fast earning himself the title of "Houdini Horrex". After coming from behind in style in Sunday's mixed fours, he twice returned from the brink during yesterday's action.

Taking on home player Malcolm Bowyer (Prittlewell) in yesterday's first round he was behind from the start. However, he produced a run of one, two and two over the last three ends to win 21-20.

He then took on highly-rated Alf Newman (Carreras), who had swamped A Maynard (Rayleigh) 21-2 in the first round.

This time Horrex was 16-11 down but produced a four and three to lead 18-16. Newman hit back to level, but a three saw Horrex home 21-18.

"Softies" from the world of cricket and tennis, who dive for the pavilion as soon as the heavens open, could take a lesson from the world of bowls.

Despite a background of thunder and lightning, with rain falling steadily, the bowlers carried on the action, with most of the play taking place on the Priory Park greens.

John Wells had a surprisingly easy 21-12 win over Tony Myall (Belfairs), while his Southend colleague George Applin held off Essex County's Bill Driscoll 21-20.

Driscoll went down bravely, collecting 11 shots on the last six ends but still falling one short.

Great "golden oldie" favourite Ken Devaliant (Fairford) - who won this title back in 1979 - fought Richard Gant (White Hall) all the way before losing 19-18.

There was an unusual occurrence where P Colloff (Southend) enjoyed three full house fours in his 21-13 win over Billet's A Adamson.

Play got underway in the triples competition today with the final of both this and the singles scheduled for Friday afternoon. Next week's attention turns to the pairs and fours.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.