WILTSHIRE Short Mat Bowls Association hosted its biggest game ever on Sunday when the Moonrakers took on the England U21 team at the Christie Miller Sports Centre, Melksham.

Players from all over England under the management of Brian Claessen used the game as their final warm-up game ahead of the British Isles Championships in Wales in May.

The victorious England team included two of Wiltshire's up-and-coming stars Tom Bright (Bromham) and Aidan Wicks (Blue Circle). Tom was given the honour of captaining his team on the day.

Wiltshire’s side was a mix of established county bowlers, experienced club bowlers and a number of youngsters including the three Cleere brothers (Villagers SMBC, Atworth), Carter Glover (Hullavington) and Greg Smith (White Horse Club, Westbury).

Wiltshire took an early lead but at the lunch break the England manager had ‘a few words’ for his team who came out fighting for the afternoon sessions. In the end the national team triumphed by 37-31 (shots 260-211).

This was a creditable performance by Wiltshire bowlers and an excellent fight back by the England team.