Bowls: NZ on top at Leamington Spa

The New Zealand women's world bowls team has made the best possible start to its world championship campaign at Leamington Spa in England with two wins from two matches.

The New Zealand pair of Jo Edwards and Sharon Sims, gold medallists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, cruised to a 23-7 victory over Japan.

And Marlene Castle's triple featuring Val Smith at two and Wendy Jensen off the front made a useful start, also scoring a victory over Japan 25-9.

Section play continues, with the top two teams from each pool qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition.