SIDMOUTH began the month with a mixed match against Chudleigh, running out winners by a narrow margin of two shots, 56 to 54.

SIDMOUTH began the month with a mixed match against Chudleigh, running out winners by a narrow margin of two shots, 56 to 54.

At the halfway stage, Sidmouth had a lead of 11 shots so they did well to hold off the charge by Chudleigh. Best winning rink for Sidmouth were Marie Wall, Mike Savage, Jenny Fricker and skip, Dave Lever, with a score of 26 to 12. Well done team.

A men's team visited Madeira, unfortunately losing on all three rinks with a final score of 38 to 69. Madeira are always a strong side and this was no exception.

Sidmouth played a mixed match against Ottery St Mary at home. The best winning team was Neelia Day, Jean Green, Maurice Watson and skip, Dave Lever, with a good score of 30 shots to 10. A very good result. Overall, Sidmouth won two rinks to one, with an overall shot difference of 66 to 45.

One match not in the fixture book was to support Exeter and District over-60s in a friendly at Madeira where John Mason was the acting captain of the day.

Sidmouth won their rink 17-15 , however, the over-60s lost the match overall 47-61. Again, it shows the strength of Madeira.

Each year the club is honoured with a match against the County President, on this occasion Trevor Knight Esq from Exonia IBC, who brought three rinks made up of players from around the county.

An excellent tea was provided by lady members after the match at which Tom Reynolds was an honoured guest.

Trevor Wilkins, the club president and captain John Mason officiated in welcoming all the players. On these occasions the result is not important, being more of a social event with many past and present officials attending.

Torquay United were the next visitors for a return match to the one held last month. On this occasion Sidmouth ran out the winners by 58-47 . Best winning rink for Sidmouth were Jill Lewis, Ken Day, Adelina Constable and skip, Ron Cook. Well done team.

The men played a team from Honiton on Sunday, November 15 which, due to a shortage of players from Honiton, was two Triples and one Fours match.

Scores were 11-25 in favour of Honiton in both Triples, whereas the Sidmouth four, John Chew, Maurice Watson, Brian Smith and skip Colin Bryant, scraped home by a one shot difference. Well done.

l A new match has been posted on the notice boards, to welcome members who have recently joined the club, by playing alongside experienced players to further introduce them to the game. This match will take place on the December 1.

l Earlier in the month there were separate but simultaneous meetings of the Men's and Ladies' section of the Umpires' Association. It was confirmed that the two organisations will merge on the January 1, 2010 under a new title of English Umpires Association- (Bowls) -EUAB. The new constitution will be confirmed at the first combined AGM in April 2010.

Unification in most areas of the sport of bowls will, no doubt, affect the Indoor Bowls sections eventually.

FINDING the winner of this year's men's umbrella competition among members of Sidmouth Bowls Club was a close fought affair.

At the end of the season two players, Tony Constable and John Doyle tied on points.

The stalemate was decided on a countback of shot differences and Tony, seen here on the right receiving the trophy, was declared the winner.

The winner's cup was presented by Graham Salter (centre), principal of East Devon Associates, which has, for the past two years, sponsored the contest.

Graham said: "We are very proud to continue sponsoring the competition on an on-going basis."

Also pictured at the cup presentation outside EDA's High Street office, is close runner-up John Doyle.

THE friendly match at home to Exonia was reduced from three to two rinks by Exonia, this ended in a win for Sidmouth with one rink winning and the other a draw. Winning rink M Smith, DV Taylor, J Fricker. J Bishop (skip) 22-12; P Wrench, A Tredget, P Harvie, E Stribling (skip) 22-22.

In the Devon County League games, the Lane and Foxlands both played this week but, unfortunately, only gained three points from each game.

In the Lane, Sidmouth played against ISCA, and rinks at home won one, and drew one. The winning rink was A Tredget, M Smith, C Turner, A Newman(skip) 21-14.

The away teams did well, with both rinks being in the lead on the 10th end, but unable to hold on to win.

Foxlands was played against Kingsley (Westward Ho), Sidmouth winning one rink and drawing one at home. The winning rink was Pat Pritchard, Dreda Taylor, Ann Capon, Jill Bishop 28-16 . Both the away teams lost, the only excuse being the weather conditions. Whilst play was in progress the rain was torrential and players' thoughts were all about what the drive home was going to be like! All arrived home safely.