On yet another beautiful barmy evening, the men from Sidmouth Bowls Club played the Section final of the Foxlands against Madeira in a proper East Devon derby. 

Our home team of John Richards, Allan Davies, John Mason and skip Ken Wheeler unfortunately didn't fare too well, as they were rather out-bowled by strong opposition, hence the home score finished 10 - 29 to Madeira.   

This made it highly unlikely that our away team of Paul Irvine, Roger Stewart, Mick Cox and skip Brian Smith could cover such a loss. However, just how wrong can you be, as amazingly they did to finish with  a great score of 25 - 6, thus making the aggregate score a draw at 35 all. 

Normally in most knockout matches, to get a result, one rink or even both rinks would play an extra end. Not in this game! It's a countback system on ends, so on the final 21st end all level, 20th end it was again all level, on the 19th end Madeira were up by four shots, which gave them the game.

It is a 21-end game, so surely they should have played an extra end to get a result, not counted back in this County Competition. I have been bowling for almost 30 years and don't ever recall this unfair rule being implemented in such an important game, especially in outdoor bowls, as there is no time limit on games. A tough way to lose but Sidmouth can hold their heads high for a thrilling performance.

There was better news elsewhere and another win for Sidmouth Ladies, as our ladies InterClub team went away to Abbrook Park to play the 3rd round of this County Competition, this time against Plymstock B. 

The green was rather heavier than our lovely fast green, so took a few ends to get accustomed to the weight. However, our team adjusted brilliantly to the challenge, winning handsomely on both rinks and an overall score of Sidmouth 50 Plymstock 28.

Well done to our team of Jean Brimson, Anita Mason, Brenda Somerfield and skip Jill Bishop (29 – 16) and Karen Hollingdale , Zena Johnson,  Janet Thomson and skip Jane Painter (21 – 12). It must be said that of the six entries from our Section 3 that entered this knockout competition, Sidmouth ladies are the only team left standing! 

The next round (quarter final) is against Torbay Country Club, to be played on Wednesday, June 28.  Winning that will put them into the finals’ day, when both the semi-final and final are played. No pressure then ladies, and we wish you all good luck.

Also, Andrew Lowe played the quarter final of the Champion of Champions against Leighton Burston from Ottery St Mary. It was a really good match, being level on a couple of occasions. However, Leighton managed to find an extra gear to win 21 - 15. Well done to Andrew for getting that far.

Finally, Sidmouth played a mixed friendly away at Phear Park in Exmouth but it was not a good result for our team. From the four triples we sent, we had just one rink that won by one shot. They were Christine Ward,  Stewart Thomson and skip Anita Mason, 15 - 14 . The overall score was Sidmouth 37 Phear Park ’Oops’ 86 . Well the weather and the company was good. Hopefully when they come to Sidmouth for the return match, we will do better!

Update on the Mens Over 60's League : The A team have won four of the six games played; the B team have won two of the six games played; the C team have won three of the six games played; the D team have won one of the five games played.

By Carol Smith