MORE than 70 members and visitors saw the first wood of the season bowled when South Benfleet Bowls Club held their open day.

Cleanaway Trust project officer Gary Baker sent down the first wood after being greeted at the clubhouse by club president Jack McNulty.

Southend Benfleet warmed up for the new season with a four-rink friendly against the London Fire Brigade. And South Benfleet's bowlers turned up the heat with a 92-72 win.

Scores (South Benfleet first): J Stewart 21 E Rogers 22, D Fulcher 24 M Stevens 15, R Baxendale 18 L Ringshaw 19, J Boss 29 R Shanklin 16.