A review of the results cards at Ottery Bowls Club would indicate that most matches have either resulted in a marginal victory for Ottery or a marginal victory for their opponents, writes Clive Russell.

Having said that, there was one match when, in the words of club captain, Melvin Trayhurn. “Ottery simply did not turn up!”, and as a result suffered a heavy defeat.

Then the rains came, which resulted in the bad flooding at Tipton St John and Newton Poppleford, and it was presumed that a new game of “bowls skimming” would have to be played against close neighbours Budleigh. However, the storm clouds passed over and an exciting match ensued, with the losing margin being one point (again).

The ladies team, under the captaincy of Marion Kelsey, began to find both line and length in the first round of the Grace Matthews Top Club competition, by beating the highly respected Madeira “B” team.

This is a regional competition and is played over four disciplines - singles, doubles, triples and rinks, which is a team of four players. The combined results are then added together to identify the winning team. Very well done to the ladies and we wish you every success in the next round.