There were mixed fortunes for Ottery bowlers across the past week, writes Roger Smith.

The week began with a visit to Exonia for a friendly, but the home team proved too strong on the day, winning all four rinks to secure a 101-43 overall success.

There was action for the men’s teams in the Exeter and District Over-60s Triples League. The A team played twice in quick succession. First up they defeated Sidmouth B 41-32, with Terry House, Chris Hawke and skip John Pethick having a good 26-13 victory.

However, they were back in action a day later when they lost 36-24 to Hemyock.

The B team got back to winning ways, taking maximum points in their home meeting with Belmont B thanks to wins on both rinks by a margin of six shots. That success sent the B team back to the top of the Division Seven table.

The C team continue to battle away, but just came up short again in their home meeting with Marina C that saw the visitors win 35-27.

In the EEML Ottery lost on all four rinks away at Honiton. Ottery were then off again on their travels with an away friendly at Chudleigh, the home side again proving too strong winning three rinks to one and overall by 90 shots to 61.

The sole Ottery winning rink being that of Jan Richardson, Charlie Griffin, Richard Bland and skip Margaret Bright, securing a 22-14 victory.

The week ended on a more successful note, first with a win at Sidmouth by two rinks to one with another finishing all square.

The best of the Ottery rinks was the one of Carol Bennett, Chris Hawke, Fred Dart and skip Ray Luscombe who won 25-15.

Last, but not least, Ottery visited Culm Vale for a EEML fixture. This proved to be an incredibly tight game with two rinks ending all square and both teams winning one rink.

However, the overall score saw Ottery edge home by a single shot at 58-57.

The winning Ottery rink (14-12), was the one of Joan Dalton, Charlie Griffin, Tony Luff and skip John Pethick 14-12.

In a recent tournament at Marldon Maple Leaf Bowls Club, 24 teams from the surrounding areas of Torquay and Newton Abbott took part in their 2016 Open Fours competition. Ottery’s own Shirley Fewtrell was part of the winning team with Roger Woodland and Chris and Ray McDonald from Seaton - well done Shirley !

As we go into the last few weeks of the outdoor season there is still time for new players to try their hand at bowls, just come along on a Friday night from 6pm, with flat shoes or trainers and our coaches will provide the rest.

For more information contact Mike Smith on 01404 811195.