This has been an important week for the Ladies with the first rounds of three knock- out competitions, writes Jill Lewis.

The first was the Inter Club played at Bitton Park against Victoria. Despite some very good play, the two rinks lost overall by two shots - well done to Pat Pritchard, Sue Mison, Chris Hamer and Jill Bishop on the winning rink.

The National Top Club came next, again some excellent play against Budleigh, but two out of the four disciplines needed to win to be able to continue and, unfortunately, only the Pairs won. Well done to Jean Brimson and Eileen Hewett 25-10. Many thanks to Sidmouth's Umpire Rosemary Mullin, Marker Jan Turner, and to the Sidmouth ladies for providing refreshments and a delicious lunch. A very enjoyable morning.

Finally, the Grace Mathews Top Club game, played at Budleigh Salterton against the Budleigh ladies, had a nail-biting finish, with Sidmouth winning two out of the five disciplines - the Pairs were again Jean Brimson and Eileen Hewett 31-5; the Fours Sue Mison, Margaret King, Chris Hamer and Sheila Burnand 17-11. A special thanks to Ann Capon for standing in at the last minute to play the 4-wood Single. A very close game 18-21. We nearly did it ladies - well done to all those who took part. Congratulations also to Jean Brimson, Jane Painter and Eileen Hewett for getting through two rounds of their County Triples.