The Essex Invitation Petanque Winter League opened with a local derby at Bocking as Bocking 1 beat their second string 2-1.

Pam Adams, Trevor Turner and Malcolm Smith took the triples, while Turner partnered David Adams to a pairs win for Bocking 1, while Richard Tite gained a point for the second team with a singles win over Smith.

Onley Arms registered a 3-0 win at Billericay.

Lorne Gibson, Daniel and Trevor Blows took the triples 13-2, with the father and son Blows pairing winning the doubles 13-11 and Gibson wrapping up victory with a 13-8 singles triumph.

Blackwater U3A produced the best result of the day as they beat Three Elms 2 3-0 as Peter Harden took two wins on the Maldon Promenade terrain.

Thorley had a 2-1 win at Three Elms 1.