Ottery St Mary had a busy past week with matched against three touring sides, writes Michael Smith.

In the first, against the Welsh Bowling Association VPs, the home team were well beaten by a strong visiting side who won three rinks to the one gained by Ottery with one other rink drawn. The successful Ottery rink was the one of Brian Salter, John Mabbott, Steve Hall and skip John Ward (24-12)..

The following day, Carshalton Bowling Club were the next visitors, Ottery only faired a little better losing by four rinks to two and to an overall score of 130 shots to 97.

Ottery then visited Chardstock where they won by three rinks to two and also won the match 84-74.

Frank Holden, Brian Braund and skip Shirley Fewtrell were the best of the rinks with a 20-10 victory.

Next up a home friendly fixture against Tiverton Boro’. This match saw the rinks shared 2-all, but the match went to the Mid Devon side 69-52.

The best of the Ottery rinks was the one of Fenella Griggs, Carol Bennett and skip Norman Lawrence, who secured an 18-13 win. The following day there was another home game with the visiting opposition being Axminster. The Ottery bowlers proved to be in fine form as they secured a three rinks to one success and an overall 97-44 success. The top Ottery rink was the one of Jill White, Charlie Griffin and skip Margaret Bright who landed a thumping 32-5 victory.

Ottery then welcomed the final touring side of the season, Somerton Bowling Club who pitched up with seven rinks. In a closely fought contest the visitors emerged as the winners thanks to a 4-3 rinks success and an overall shots victory of 145-122.

The top performing Ottery rink was the one of Alan Lascelles, Tony Delahay, Maureen Phillips and skip Shirley Fewtrell, who were 24-13 winners.

Before heading back to Somerset, our guests enjoyed a fine meal thanks to the hard work of Sharon Kenny and a handful of Ottery members - a great bunch, and all their effort much appreciated by our visitors.