With the Opening Drive being postponed for a week due to the extremely wet conditions, club president Maggie Beighton finally got the 2018 season underway bowling the customary ‘first bowl’ of the year on a fine Sunday afternoon, writes Michael Smith.

Sidmouth Herald: Ottery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor seasonOttery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor season (Image: Archant)

With the Opening Drive being postponed for a week due to the extremely wet conditions, club president Maggie Beighton finally got the 2018 season underway bowling the customary ‘first bowl’ of the year on a fine Sunday afternoon, writes Michael Smith.

Ottery had managed to play the first of their friendly matches the previous week against Hemyock and Ottery got off to a fine start, winning the match 55-43 and by two rinks to one.

The best of the Ottery rinks was the one of Bryan Salter, Tony Luff, Peter Jones and skip Norman Lawrence, who were 25-11 winners.

Near neighbours Honiton were next to visit Ottery. This time the visitors showed no neighbourly spirit, winning comprehensively on all six rinks and by 101 shots to 73!

Sidmouth Herald: Ottery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor seasonOttery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor season (Image: Archant)

Our final match of the opening week was another home fixture against Budleigh Salterton. Happily, Ottery managed to get back to winning ways with a 89-53 success and by three rinks to one.

The best Ottery rink was the one of Richard Chapple, Gail Hawke and skip Ray Luscombe, who won 25-7.

Friday club nights are once again proving a popular event with a splendid turnout for the first Friday of the summer season.

Newcomers are also welcome to attend from 6pm when, as ever, the club provides coaching together with the necessary equipment.

Sidmouth Herald: Ottery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor seasonOttery St Mary bowls club president Maggie Beighton delivers the opening wood of the new outdoor season (Image: Archant)

This weekend is ‘Open Weekend’ for new bowlers; come along and have a go from 4pm to 8pm on Friday (April 27) and, from 10am to 2pm the following day (Saturday, April 28).

All you need is a pair of flat soled shoes. For more information, contact Terri Ward on 01404 814651 or Mike Smith on 01404 811195.