At the beginning and end of each season we hold a club, ladies verses gentlemen match, writes Carol Smith.

It’s fair to say that at the start of the outdoor season the men, being stronger in the arm, usually win!

However, at the end of the season with the greens running much faster the ladies usually get their own back.

These games are always played in a great spirit with lots of banter. It was a shame, but we only managed to put out three rinks on this occasion (too many being away on holidays!).

Nevertheless, we won on two of the three rinks, so well done to the ladies. Ooops, I almost forgot to mention that the men, although only winning on one rink, did win overall albeit by just three shots!

The final score was one of gentlemen 59, ladies 56.

The men’s rink that won them the match was the one of Rob Wheaton, Kevin Walsh, Allan Davis and skip Peter Mison, winning 28-10.

Well done, fellows, let’s hope we ladies get our own back in the indoor match.

? A friendly match was played against South Dorset on yet another beautiful Sidmouth day.

Once again it was an afternoon combining good company with some fine bowling and, on this occasion, Sidmouth proved to be very friendly hosts as we lost the match 58-52.

The winning rink for Sidmouth was the one of Ray Gray, Anita Mason, John Chew and captain and skip Susie Bonnell, who won 21-17.

Another friendly saw a team travel to Seaton where, amongst excellent company, we lost three of the four rinks, but the match ended in a draw at 62-all.

Our winning rink was the one of Derek Mountford, Rob Wheaton, Mick Cox and skip Jill Bishop, who won 19-12, and so it all meant that the other three Sidmouth rinks only lost by a combined score of seven shots. It was a strange old game!

? The Sidmouth Bowls Club ‘Mixed Umbrella’ is a competition brilliantly organised by David Timms.

This summer’s reporting has been so full of national, county, club and individual achievements plus all the friendly matches, that there just hasn’t been the space to report on internal competitions.

However, this week has seen the final match of this very popular competition, which has some 20 matches throughout the summer season and is supported by some 68 players!

For many, The Umbrella is their introduction to competitive bowling, albeit played in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, which has enabled those involved to learn more about the game and to hone their skills!

The final results are in and this year’s champion is Janice Quinn, retaining her title from last year. The runner-up is Barry Curwen.

? Sidmouth played host to six rinks of men from Bowls Devon playing against Bowls Isle of Wight.

A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all and made even better with a win for Devon, and even better still, the top rink for Devon was a rink of four Sidmouth bowlers.

A delightful bowlers’ tea was served by our ladies headed by Jill Bishop and great compliments received for both our club and our excellent greens (greenkeeper Barry won’t be able to get through the door soon!).

Devon won overall, 119-84, and the Sidmouth rink of Mark Stephens, John Mason, Mike Borst and skip Chris Nappin were 29-9 winners. Well done, our team.

? The outdoor bowling finishes on Sunday (September 23), the final match being a mystery closing drive!

The following day the indoor season is launched with an opening drive!