At the beginning and end of both indoor and outdoor seasons, Sidmouth Bowls Club holds our Ladies v Gents matches.

It was a very close match this year with the ladies and the men each winning on one rink each in both sessions. However, true to form (but only just), the ladies won overall by a score of 63-65.

The morning winners were Ladies Paddy Chew, Chris Hamer and skip Jill Mison 22-14, and the Men Chris Ward, Clive Brook, John Chew and skip John Mason 19-8.

The afternoon winners were Ladies Debbie Leeds, Chris Radburn, Zena Johnson and skip Sue Turner 26-13, and the Men Brian Barber, Ron Clint, Tony Anthony and skip Brian Smith 17-9.

Then, came our indoor closing drive. In the early session, the winners were Jan J Bates, Anita Mason and skip David Timms with a score of plus 11. The afternoon winners were Debbie Leeds, Cedron Caine, Mary Turner and skip Wilf Radburn with a great score of plus 19.

For the Outdoor Opening Drive, we had over 50 players participating. As is tradition, the first wood bowled is by a dignitary and this year it was our President Ann.

Before play, it was the "Spider". This is where a jack (that little white or yellow ball) is placed in the centre of the green. All players stand around the edge with one foot in the ditch and simultaneously bowl one wood towards the jack.

After the last couple of seasons, with Covid and those pesky leatherjackets doing so much damage to our green, it was great to see everyone having a wonderful time.

At last, our hardworking greenkeepers, Barry and Graham, with the help of our new black plastic system, have succeeded. Our thanks go to them, as well as outdoor Captains Susie Bonnell and Mike Borst, also David Timms for arranging the drive, Jan and myself for tea duty, and Tony and Annie our new bar lady.

Now to the winners. The Spider was won by George Hudec and the drive was won by Barbara Donaldson, Bill Sheerman and skip John Chew.

Sidmouth Herald: Spider Winner GeorgeSpider Winner George (Image: Carol Smith)

Sidmouth Herald: Opening Drive PlayersOpening Drive Players (Image: Carol Smith)

Sidmouth Herald: Afternoon Winners L/R Wilf, Debbie, Cedron, MaryAfternoon Winners L/R Wilf, Debbie, Cedron, Mary (Image: Carol Smith)

Sidmouth Herald: Outdoor Captains Susie and MikeOutdoor Captains Susie and Mike (Image: Carol Smith)

Sidmouth Herald: Outdoor Drive Winners L/R Bill , Barbara, JohnOutdoor Drive Winners L/R Bill , Barbara, John (Image: Carol Smith)