The Ottery St Mary Bowls Club week began with a visit from near neighbours Feniton, writes Michael Smith.

However, the final result was anything but neighbourly with the Otters landing a four rinks to one success and an overall shot victory of 102-89.

In terms of the honours for the best of the Ottery rinks, that befell to the foursome of Keith Thorley, Jill White, Charlie Griffin and skip Fred Dart, who won 20-14.

The first of a new season of men’s Over-60s League matches was played. The Ottery A team lost on both rinks at home to Heavitree A and the Ottery B team had what turned out to be a hard-fought draw on their visit to St Thomas B where the winning rink was the one of Tony Bushell, Norman Lawrence and skip Ray Luscombe, 17-11, last, but not least for the Over-60s action, the C team lost narrowly on both rinks away at Broadclyst.

Ottery were on the road again when they visited Madeira where they came away with a fine five rinks to one success and an overall score of 110-73.

In this match the best of the Ottery winning rinks was the one of Terri Ward, Val Jones, Kevin Vernon and skip John Ward, who secured a 24-12 success.

Ottery finished the week with another win in the East of Exe Mixed League, this time coming out on top at home to Seaton by two rinks to one with one other rink drawn and by a score of 71-55. The top Ottery rink was the one of Tony Bushell, Steve Hall, Gail Hawke and skip Dave Brown, 19-10.

Friday club nights are once again a regular feature and all new players are welcome to come along from 6pm.

Each Friday evening there is free coaching available and all equipment is provided. The one requirement is for folk wishing to try their arm at bowls to attend in suitable footwear which is flat shores or trainers.

For more information on the Friday night meeting please do contact Mike Smith on 01404 811195, or John and Terri Ward on 01404 814651.