Despite the dreadful weather conditions at the weekend, some of the best Northern bowlers managed to get to Dalston for the Northern Counties Championships. 

Once a Premier event in the bowling calendar, the event has slipped in more recent times, but it was quite a good weekend for Cumbria as the county took two of the titles. 

In the fours, David Forster senior replaced Stephen Cook, who was in Leamington, and proved an able deputy, the Workington quartet taking the title by beating Durham. 

Workington skip young David Forster has had a great year and further added to his successes when taking the singles title. Again, Durham had to settle for runners-up spot. 

It was another good weekend for one of Cumbria’s best hopes for even greater success.

Looking ahead and indoor bowls is now just a few weeks away. The Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club will open on Tuesday, August 27, though league play will not commence until early September. 

Anyone wishing to pay their subscriptions can do so from August 27 onwards and will qualify for the £5 discount if payment is made on or before September 22.

Before that, however, the club will be open all next week when anyone can come along and try indoor bowls for free. 

The club will be open from 9am to 9pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and 12.30pm until 9.00pm Monday and Wednesday. 

The usual Jumbles will be played on Monday morning and Wednesday morning, and there will be room for some casual play then for current members.

All other times are strictly for newcomers only.

Anyone wishing to come along can do so without booking. You will not need any equipment. Everything, including shoes and bowls, will be provided at no charge and refreshments will be available.

If you have never been in the club, which is on the Viaduct Estate in Carlisle, I guarantee you will be amazed at what we have to offer inside. 

Ten great rinks with excellent lighting, a refreshment area as well as upstairs gallery, a great atmosphere and plenty of free parking on the club site.

You can try the game for yourself but their will be coaches in attendance if you want any assistance to get started.

Come on down. You will be pleasantly surprised and, when you decide to join, you will almost certainly wish you had done so years ago.