THE club ladies made a disappointing start in their first match in the Foxlands League.

A depleted team with four reserves met a strong Exonia team. The scores were not encouraging! However, one rink salvaged some pride by a good win 34-12. Well done to Anne Smith, Sue Mison, Phil Nobbs and the ever- reliable Jill Bishop.

The first round of the ladies’ singles produced some hard- fought matches.

Dreda Taylor and Sue Mison had a close contest which Sue managed to win by scoring eight shots on the last three ends. Beryl Sparkes and Jean Green had a marathon match lasting 26 ends. At a score of 20-18 to the redoubtable Beryl, Jean held her nerve to score another four shots and just scrape home 21-20.

Wily Jean Brimson won by taking the mat up which confused Marian Watson, whilst Zena Johnson and Sylvia Cook had a hilarious game since neither could cast the jack. Marker, Jill Lewis was, to say the least, tired at the end of this struggle. Nevertheless there were some very close heads with Sylvia just being the victor.

Good entertainment for all.

?The Men had mixed fortunes this week but finally registered their first win in the County Trophy knock out matches, beating South Hams on three rinks out of four to win by a total of 16 shots.

Team scores were, at home: Maurice Watson, Peter Mison, Tony Brown and skip Colin Bryant 27-12; Robert Cartlidge, Dave Lever, John Mason and skip Ron Cook 20-18, having been down 10-16 after 17 ends.

Away winning rink was Mike Smith, Ray Tallent, Jim Wrench and skip Trevor A Pritchard 23 -14; Tony Holland, Brian Smith, Cliff Hewett and skip Norman Brimson put up a spirited fight winning nine out of the 21 ends to go down 11-21.

A great effort from all and hopefully a sign of the future.

Earlier in the week, Sidmouth played the over- 60s County Trophy league against Plymouth losing 65-95.

The one friendly match of the week took place on Saturday against Taunton Vivary Park, with Sidmouth winning by six shots overall. Best winning rink for Sidmouth was Elaine Reed, Ron Denning, Adelina Constable and skip Ron Cook with a score of 36-15. Well done team.

Internal knock out matches are well under way with some very good results in the mixed pairs: Paddy Wrench and Peter Wilson 23, Ros Tobias and Ivan Robins 8; Michael Hunt and Phyl Nobbs 13. Jean Brimson and Tony Holland 11; Margo Beauchamp and Bill Dunbar 23, Mary Price and John Mason 10.

Only one singles match has been played thus far Ron Cook 21, Tony Brown 13.

The current league table for the Sidmouth Indoor League sponsored by Potbury’s shows Exonia and Beachcombers (from Exmouth) with clean sheets and a healthy net shot difference. Lyme Smugglers have edged ahead of Sidmouth Matadors on shot difference.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY?

Anyone wishing to try their hand at bowling should contact the membership secretary Mr Brain Smith on (01395) 516652.

Free introduction and coaching available either to groups or individuals.