THE return match between Isca and Ottery St Mary was always going to be a hard encounter with the Exeter club seeking to avenge a previous defeat by the Otters.

Following the conclusion of the opening triples it was one game apiece with Exeter’s Anne, Mac and Franck beating John, Rose and Derek 13 -10; Ottery’s Rick, Liz and Dave beat Joan, Keith and Stuart 13 - 9.

The first doubles went to Isca with Stuart and Franck overcoming Rose and Derek 13 - 3, but John and Rick levelled the match for the Otters by beating Anne and Mac 13 - 4.

A lengthy game ensued with Exeter’s Joan and Keith playing Liz and Dave - in fact the lights had to be turned on as the clock passed 10pm!

The score line crept up with each team snatching the lead in turn until at last the Isca side lead by 12 -10; the final end went to Isca after an independent measure to separate the leading boules and give match victory to Exeter by 3 -2 - an exact reverse of the previous league encounter between the two sides.