The first-ever bowls match between Sheppey and Sittingbourne took place at Swale Indoor Bowls Club – and turned out to be a tense affair.

Played in front of an audience of VIPs and nervous supporters on Sunday, it went down to the wire – with just three points separating the teams. But after more than three hours of play Sittingbourne emerged victorious, 120-117 shots.

Club member and Sheppey player George Ball said: “It was very exciting because Sheppey was in the lead and then dropped back, it was the last bowl of the match that won it for Sittingbourne.

“Everyone wanted to win but we had lots of fun; there was banter going on between the teams.

“Hopefully the match will become an annual affair and keep going for hundreds of years.” The winning bowlers from Sittingbourne were awarded a glass trophy by the Mayor of Swale, Cllr George Bobbin and Mayoress Mrs Brenda Bobbin.

The day, which included a raffle and disco after the match, raised £200 for the club.