Sidmouth’s new season started with a washed out opening drive, to everyone’s disappointment, writes Ron Cook.

Further heavy rain on the Wednesday prevented the ladies’ Umbrella being played, so it was not until Thursday when Sidmouth entertained Chardstock that the skies were clear and the greens fit for play. The match was a win for Sidmouth with three winning rinks and one drawn game. Best result was Captain Ivan Robins, Brian Smith and Bob Seldon with an eight shot win.

The second friendly of the season against Budleigh Salterton was unfortunately cancelled due to a shortage of available players from Budleigh. A number of members took the opportunity for a practice session in which rinks were rotated to get a good feel for the greens, which can be difficult at this time of the year. General consensus was that the greens are running true which bodes well for the season ahead.

In the Exeter over-60s League, which got underway on May 2, the A squad got off to a fine start earning full points against Topsham A who were the league champions last year. Unfortunately, the B squad had their game cancelled by Tiverton BC who had an unplayable rink due to the weather and C squad found it hard going at Chagford, losing on both rinks.

On Saturday, the club entertained a mixed touring side from Spencer Moulton near Bradford on Avon with at least two England players in their team. Across the rinks honours were shared, three wins each, however some heavy scoring from the visiting side meant they ran out overall winners 125-97.

The following day mixed teams from Chacewater in Cornwall were our guests with 10 rinks in total. Chacewater were the overall winners with a score of 202-178. Eileen Hewett’s team excelled with a 36-6 win in which they scored on nine consecutive ends without reply. Well done to Eileen and her team, Ray Tallent. Elaine Reed and John Mason.

On bank holiday Monday, a ladies’ invitation to the men saw seven rinks playing a combination of Fours and Triples giving all those who entered a game. The men on this occasion were the winners with a score of 131-116.

It was encouraging to our captains how many members supported the club in three days of matches requiring a total of 110 players to fulfill our requirements. A response which was very much appreciated.