IT was green for go at Fort Matilda Bowling Club on Saturday as members flocked to its open day.

Nearly 40 players rolled up for the first day of the new season, while many more turned out to enjoy the spectacle.

Performing the honours were club president Brian Ross and his wife Nancy, who threw the first bowl.

Club secretary Norrie Mungin told the Telegraph: "It was an excellent turnout. We had 38 bowlers playing and a very big turnout to help to run the event and we had afternoon tea after the wappenshaw." The popular club - which will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year - is fighting fit with a healthy membership of 70 men and 40 ladies, but is appealing for more young blood to boost its ranks.

Mr Mungin said: "Bowls has taken a bit of a hammering lately but it's coming back again and we're calling for more youngsters in particular to play bowls.

"Curling has been very successful and we're trying to do the same with bowls." The club secretary was also swift to praise the Tele's role in enticing more bowlers to go along to the Greenock club.

He said: "Similar to other clubs we appreciate the publicity we receive from the Telegraph.

"This has already encouraged new members to join us.

"Come along and try, it's very easy to join the club, there's no formalities." Back on the green, Fort Matilda is also hopeful of silverware success this year following the club's triumph at the Scottish District Singles last year.

Mr Mungin said: "We take part in the Greenock and District Championships and Renfrewshire Bowling Association, which extends from here to clubs in Paisley and Scottish Bowl matches.

"We are always looking for silverware.

"Our best player Nicol House won the Scottish District Singles and went onto play at Northfield Bowling Club in Ayr in the next level.

"We hope to achieve something similar this year."