Well, it wasn't raining on the Opening Drive, however, the 80 bowlers that turned out on the green were possibly the coldest people in Sidmouth!

Well, it wasn't raining on the Opening Drive, however, the 80 bowlers that turned out on the green were possibly the coldest people in Sidmouth last Thursday afternoon! The number of very cold hands that were shaken during the afternoon were too many to count. The "tea" ladies were in two minds as to whether to provide tea or soup! The first few ends of bowling were the usual that one sees on the first day outdoors, but players quickly settled down and, for all the moans on the weather, it was enjoyed by most, and good to get outside and have a real game. Club groundsman Barry and his team have been working on the green most days since outdoor bowling finished last September - and their toilings are very noticable. Sidmouth has one of the finest surfaces to bowl on in Devon - thank you very much Barry.The club had two winning rinks for the Opening drive, and they were presented with bottles of wine by club president Ken Hutton. It was the first game that new captain Cliff Hewett was in charge of, and members wish Cliff all success for the coming season. John Mason once again organised the drive, as he has done for some years now. Thank you, John, for all your hard work. He now concentrates on the club competitions for the following weeks, and all the problems that that can bring! I look forward to bringing you all the results from now until September. Sidmouth played their first match at Chardstock last Friday. Not only is this club one of the friendliest of bowling clubs, it also provides one of the best teas that one can have on the bowls circuit. Their friendliness, I am afraid, was taken advantage of as Sidmouth ran out winners by 104 shots to 69. The winning triples rink, skipped by the club vice-captain Mike Borst with "Dutch" Holland, and Bert Hague won by 31-8. Other results: Trevor Pritchard (skip), B Smith, D Lever 24-19; E Mills (skip), D Ware, D Mountford 19-16; J Mason (skip), R Tallent, B Daniels 16-15; B Boddy (skip) F Adlam, R Cook 14-11.