CLARRIE Dunbar, losing Egham Trophy quarter-finalists last season, made a strong start to their 2017/18 campaign in this year’s mixed national competition.

They defeated Somerset side St Andrews (Weston-Super-Mare) as they ran out comprehensive 90-58 victors.

Dunbar took the honours on three of the four rinks and drew on the other despite making a very slow start.

Top rink honours went to Graham Shadwell’s quartet, who won by 15 shots. Other wins were recorded by the home rinks skipped by Russell Francis (12 shots) and Andy Colebrooke (five shots).

The away rink at St Andrews skipped by Neil Collett managed a 21-21 draw.

Dunbar face Isle of Wedmore in the men’s top team championship event, the Denny Trophy, on Saturday (10am) and play North Wilts in the top ladies team event, Yetton Trophy.

On Sunday, they begin their quest to go one step further in the Top Club mixed competition this season after losing in the national final last year when they meet side Purnell in round one.

Christie Miller (Melksham) are also in Yetton Trophy and Denny Cup action.

The ladies face Purnell (Paulton, Bristol), while the men at the same time (10am) meet Bristol.

Miller’s men had to battle hard to win their opening round tie in the men’s Over 60s double rinks, defeating North Wilts 33-32.

Meanwhile, Miller’s Tom Newman and Andy Moore will play in the Wiltshire men’s side to face Oxfordshire at home at Westlecot on October 28 in the Liberty Trophy inter-county championship first round tie (10am).