THE English Open Singles Circuit arrives at Loddon Vale for the first time this weekend.

The prestige event will see 64 of the country's top bowls players competing for the Loddon Challenge Cup which has a first prize of £1,000.

Number One seed for the event is Egham’s Steve Tuohy, fresh from his victory at Wey Valley last month, when he beat the in-form Mike Titcombe from Westlecot in straight sets.

The weekend comprises of end-to-end play on both days starting at 9.30am on Saturday and Sunday, feeding into the final which starts at 5pm on the Sunday.

Also on Saturday Bowls Direct will be in attendance should anyone wishes to make purchases of clothing or equipment.

Admission is free and there is a bar and restaurant facilities available on both days.

Loddon Vale produced a maximum points win in the Wessex League against Chipping Norton thanks to a 120 shots to 66 victory.

In last Sunday’s friendly match against Camberley and District the visitors won 105-98.

The winning rinks were skipped by Alan Smith 26-9 and Alan Tait 27-3.

The losing rinks were Paul Knowles (22-14), Lily New (22-18), Frank Fuller (21-8) and Arthur Peters (28-5).

The ladies in the Riversmeet competition went down against Palmerston 105-98 but still clung onto second place.