Ottery St Mary Bowling Club has been able to welcome two new sponsors this year, writes Michael Smith.

They are the Volunteer Inn, the club’s local hostelry, and solicitors Gilbert Stephens, who specialise in legal and financial advice.

Sponsorship is a vital form of income to the club as it is a self-funding club, and we very much appreciate the support of local businesses, thanks must also go to club member Tony Bushell whoses time and effort taken to visit our local firms to encourage them to come on board has shown such success.

The ladies started off the week with a LOFTL match at home to Crediton Yellow.

They ultimately went down 47-28 though not without some success for Dot Luff, Sharon Kenny and skip Margaret Bright were victorious, 18-17.

Their fortunes improved in the LNBTL with an away success over Feniton, winning on both rinks with an overall score of 38-35. Here the best of the Ottery rinks was the one of Val Kille, Moyra Griffin and skip Gail Hawke, 20-18.

Unfortunately the men could not match the ladies success for all three teams lost their Over-60s League encounters!

Ottery A lost comprehensively at local rivals Feniton, the B team were beaten by visiting Uffculme and the C team were well beaten by Wellington A.

Ottery men played host to the Devon Patrons and, in a thoroughly enjoyable match, emerged victors by three rinks to two with an overall shot victory of 98-95.

The best of the home rinks was the one of Chris Hawke, Gerry Beighton, Steve Goodenough and skip Tony Luff, 29-14.

Next up a visit to Sidmouth where Ottery bowled to another 3-2 rink success and an 80-66 count on shots.

Here the most successful Ottery rink was the one of Margaret Trayhurn, Jim Rookes, Richard Bland and skip John Ward, 22-9.

The next day Ottery were on the road again, this time with a visit to Tiverton Borough where honours were shared two rinks each and a 64-64 overall score,.

Ottery’s best rink being that of Jan Richardson, Keith Thorley and skip Tony Luff, 25-11.

Finally, Ottery ended this weeks campaign with an away fixture in the EEML, and, in gloomy wet conditions were well beaten by Uffculme on all four rinks.

Friday club nights continue throughout the summer months where all new players are most welcome to attend from 6pm.

Free coaching is available and all equipment is provided, the only requirement being flat shoes or trainers.

For more on Friday night and all things Ottery St Mary Bowls Club call Mike Smith on 01404 811195, and, for all coaching enquiries, please contact John or Terri Ward on 01404 814651.