Sidmouth Bowls Club has been focussing on Finals over the past week, as we approach the end of the outdoor season, writes Carol Smith, although plenty of touring teams are still scheduled for a visit.

Winners of the SBC Finals were as follows:
Ladies Championship - Jill Bishop, R/U Jane Painter 
Men’s Championship - Andrew Lowe, R/U Ken Wheeler 
Men’s Sid Hawkins Novice Cup - Keith Pollitt, R/U John Squire 
Nina Cup Ladies Novice - Carol Timms, R/U Janet Squire 
Ladies Mitchell Plate - Karen Hollingdale, R/U Zena Johnson
Men’s Handicap - Ken Wheeler, R/U John Chew
Victory Bowl Triples - Julie Wevill, Steve Boyle, Wilf Radburn, R/U Keith Pollitt, Marie Timms, Sue Turner
Ladies Grace Porter Triples - Lynn Pike, Anita Mason, Barbara Donaldson, R/U Joan Crook, Liz Boyle, Jill Bishop.  

Most games were an excellent watch, but one or two were quite outstanding. The Men’s Championship with Andrew and Ken was nip and tuck for 26 ends, just one shot here and there. A very long game and last to finish in the morning session.

In the afternoon, Ken played against John in the Handicap, in which Ken needed to give John a four-shot lead, with the game being 21 shots to win, which Ken managed by just 2 shots.

My reckoning is that Ken delivered just over 200 woods during the day. I understand that evening his was going to the theatre, let's hope he managed to stay awake! 

The other great game to watch was between Keith and John in the Sid Hawkins Cup. Again, a long session, with some very good shots both for and against. 

Winners from the second Finals Day were:

Centenary Men’s Triples - Andy Downham, John Mason and skip Ken Wheeler, R/U Malcolm Smith, John Chew and skip Mick Cox.
Nominated Pairs - Karen Hollingdale and Allan Davies, R/U Jan and Jason Quinn. The Quinn’s, being way behind for two thirds of the game, came back with a vengeance, losing by just 3 shots . 

The Club Open Championship Winner this year was Andrew Lowe, who once again played against John Squire. Again, a long and close game until Andrew scored a three for victory. 

Beer Cup Winners - Sue Clint, Wilf Radburn, Zena Johnson, Mike Borst, R/ U Ron Clint, Jan Quinn, Anita Mason, John Chew,

The Men’s Pairs was a great game to watch, with Keith Pollitt and Ken Wheeler leading most of the way, then the pair of Allan Davis and Jason Quinn caught them up and on the final 18th end were 17 all.

That required an extra end for a result, which was won by Allan and Jason. Great bowling and a shame someone has to lose.

Ladies 3 Wood Winner - Jill Bishop, R/U Karen Hollingdale 
Men’s 3 Wood - Andrew Lowe, R/U John Squire 
Ladies Pairs - Barbara Donaldson and Anita Mason, R/U Julie Wevill and Brenda Somerfield.

That was the last game to finish in such searing heat. A great game to watch, going into the final end with just a one-shot difference. Anita managed to get 2 shots to win the game 14- 13.

It has been a great few days and for those of you that came second, just keep trying, and remember you got to the final. I am probably repeating myself (happens when we get older) but in my early years, I was in 5 outdoor finals and guess what, lost the lot! 

Sidmouth Herald: Ladies Champion and Ladies 3 Wood Winner, Jill Bishop

Sidmouth Herald: Club Champion , Men's Champion and Men's 3 Wood winner, Andrew Lowe

Sidmouth Herald: Men's Sid Hawkins Cup Keith Pollitt

Sidmouth Herald: Men's Handicap Ken Wheeler