A total of 68 people, including 49 playing members from the Maccabi Lawn Bowls Association, travelled to Israel in two consecutive tours organised by Maccabi GB vice-president Stuart Lustigman.

Three matches were played in Ra’anana as well as bowling clubs in Savyon, Haifa, Kiryat Ono, Ramat Gan and Netanya.

The delegation also visited WIZO projects, Independence Hall, Weitzman Institute, the Israel Guide Dog Centre, The Knesset and were guests of One Family.

Lustigman said: "Demand for this year’s lawn bowls tour was so overwhelming that I had to organise two trips so as not to disappoint anyone. Judging by the reaction, months of preparation certainly paid off." Ruth Harris, captain of the first tour, said: "The spirit in which the matches were played was fantastic. The friendliness and hospitality shown by the Israeli clubs was outstanding.

MLBA chairman Frank Dryer captained the second tour. He said: "It was a pleasure to share the tour with such delightful club bowlers and play against some of Israel’s top players. We came away with some credit at Ra'anana that had 3 medallists from this year’s Maccabiah.

"The greens took some getting used to but the matches were very competitive and a great experience for all the bowlers."