A former ladies-only bowls club has ushered in a new era by holding a battle of the sexes.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David HannantGorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

This season will be the inaugural campaign for Gorleston Links Bowls Club, formerly Gorleston Ladies Bowls Club, in which they will field both men and women for the first time.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David HannantGorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

However, before the ladies stand side-by-side with their male counterparts, they kicked off their season by instead standing toe-to-toe.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David HannantGorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

At a special launch event for the club, held on Marine Parade, men and women took to the greens to settle things once and for all, before going into battle together.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant`Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant` (Image: Archant)

With the club welcoming more than 20 new members - both male and female - competition was fierce, but friendly, as six matches were contested, with an overall winner being determined by the aggregate scores on the rinks.

Eastern Daily Press: Gorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David HannantGorleston Links Bowls Club battle of the sexes . Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

And while it was the men that ultimately came out as winners, there were no regrets from the ladies, who are now looking forward to their first mixed season.

Sue Moretta, Gorleston Links Bowls Club member, said: 'Since we made the decision to become a mixed team our membership has grown from 14 to more than 40, and it was such a wonderful atmosphere.

'It was a really nice day - there was no kicking, gouging or anything like that, it was a good clean fight and then we all went for a lovely two-course lunch together.'

With the competitive season beginning this week, the club is now looking forward to life as a mixed team, even welcoming new female team members.

Mrs Moretta added; 'We're a really friendly bunch so it was a real pleasure to welcome all our new members - we had a really love time.

'I did have to have words with Pat, our captain though. She made up the numbers on one of the men's teams and was playing against me, and knocked me off on at least one occasion, so I did have a gentle word in her ear.'

Fellow member Anne Tickner added: 'We've had a few new members join that have never played before, but that's always brilliant to see. We welcome players of all abilities and the more experienced players are always happy to help the new ones along.

'The social aspect is just as important as the competitive aspect so we all can't wait to get started.'