LODDON Vale opened 2014 in fine fashion as they beat Hawley 144-106 in a friendly.

The winning rinks were skipped by Alan Tait (25-10), Graham Jordan (24-14), Alan Smith (17-7), June Harvie (14-9), Steve Foyle (18-14) and, Ernie Sparrowhawk (18-14).

The two losing rinks were Bob White (18-16) and John Hilton (20-12).

Vale will start the year on top of the Wessex League and are also very much in contention in the Trisham Trophy where they face a top-of-the-table clash with leaders Palmerston on Saturday.