While we have all been busy talking about the weather, Brexit, the size of our tomatoes and the problem with garden pests - time has marched on and once again the ladies from Sidmouth were looking forward to playing one of their favourite annual games - the Spears Trophy, writes Susie Bonnell.

As usual invitations had been sent and accepted by our local friends and rivals - Budleigh, Exonia, Honiton, Madeira, Ottery St. Mary and Seaton.

The trophy had been located, polished up and given pride of place.

The sandwiches made, the cakes lovingly baked (by the men and ladies of the club), prizes bought and wrapped - we eagerly awaited our visitors and competitors.

Lo and behold - the sun even shone! This particular competition involves playing only four ends before moving on to another rink and another opponent, with a running score totted up at the end, giving everyone an opportunity to play each other and catch up with old friends. Of course that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a great competitive edge to it all!

So, day done, scorecards and players in for a welcome drink, the scrutiny of results began. It fell to the ladies’ outdoor captain to announce the winner.

The moment could no longer be delayed - and hearty congratulations fell once again - for a remarkable third time in a row - to the lovely ladies from Honiton.

Skip Carol Smith had made no changes to her winning team, so, with the help of her team mates, Carol Armitage, Lynda Donnett and Darcie Broughton, they keep the Spears Trophy for another year.

A Sidmouth team were very close contenders, only missing out by two shots, so Sidmouth skip, Jane Painter, and her team, will be hoping to snatch the trophy back next year.