WARWICKSHIRE Women drew first blood in the National Johns Trophy with a 128-121 victory against Devon at Olveston Bowling Club in Gloucestershire.
The game was level until the 15th end when Warwickshire were able to pull 30 points ahead on held off a valiant Devon fightback to reach the next round.
And Sue Hornsby (Lillington) with Tina Gray (Rugby Thornfield), Di Medhurst (Nuneaton) and Gill Maund (Sherwood Park) had the highest winning rink with a 21-10 success despite making a slow start.
Kirsty Richards (Whitnash) with Gillian Greenbank (Avenue Coventry), Michelle Meadowcroft (Sherwood Park) and Debbie Bloxham (Stratford) made a blistering start and eventually triumphed 26-18.
Jenny Corn (Lillington) with Becky Lever (Rugby Thornfield), Ros Taylor (Avenue Coventry) and Aleen Shuttleworth (Stoke) came from six shots behind to win 18-17 in a thrilling contest.
Moira Parsons (Welford) with Heather Mills (Grange Ladies), Dawn Horne and Janice White (both RLS) narrowly lost 22-20 in a rollercoaster game in which both teams exchanged the lead.
Maureen Edwards (Rugby Thornfield) with Liz Wooding (Avenue Coventry), Anita Cowdrill and Jenny Wickens (both RLS) lost 28-24 despite winning five shots on the 13th end.
Lastly, Yvonne Pick, Wendy Holloway, Tracy Wheeler (all Welford) with Lily-Mae Adams (Sherwood Park) were level at 15-all after 15 ends before falling to a 26-19 defeat.
After the game, county president, Donna Kerr, awarded Johns Trophy Flashes to Anita Cowdrill, Yvonne Pick and Janice White.
