For the second year running a team from Ottery St Mary won the Howard Cottrell Trophy held at Honiton Bowling Club, writes Mike Smith.

The competition was played in a round robin format and Pam Baker, Carol Keating, Richard Bland and skip Brian Baker took the honours with a shot difference of + 17 shots, five shots in front of their nearest rivals - well done to them as they were only entered at the last minute due to the withdrawal of one of the invited clubs!

In other Otter bowling news there was a 75-66 win at Bradninch where the rink score ended 3-1 in the Otters favour.

The best of the Ottery rinks was the one of Eric Richardson, Terri Ward and skip John Ward, who won 27-14.

In the men’s Over- 60s League, it was a week of ‘firsts’ for club teams! The C team landed their first win of the season, defeating Sidmouth D thanks to a 31-12 success by Graham White, Brian Salter and skip Fred Dart.

The B team continued their excellent run with a maximum points win over Morchard Bishop B and the A team picked up seven points in a handsome victory over Cul Vale A.

That all mean that all three teams had won at the same time, for the first time this season.

The previous day the B team had another eight point, this time over Chardstock B and that success took them into top spot in Division Seven.

The ladies continued the winning streak with a fine 50-22 victory at home to Crediton in the LNBTL; Sharon Kenny, Mollie Parker and skip Margaret Bright completing a 2 rink success with a 27-12 win.

In a friendly at home to Exonia, the visitors won two rinks, the hosts one and one was drawn leading to an overall 78-59 success. The winning Ottery rink was Val Kille, Berry Beighton and skip Shirley Fewtrell 18-16.

Chardstock were Ottery’s next visitors, this time the home team proving too strong with a 101-69 victory and by three rinks to one with one shared.

The best Ottery rink being that of Eric Richardson, Gerry Beighton and skip Shirley Fewtrell, 31-16.

In a home meeting with Starcross, Ottery lost three rinks to one, but, thanks to a 25-11 victory from Dot Luff, Margaret Hunt, Chris Hawke and skip George Kille, won the match overall by just two shots at 70-68.

Finally, in a keenly fought EEML match at Seaton, Ottery lost three rinks to one and 58-50 overall with the sole Ottery winning rink being Tony Luff, Steve Hall, Dave Brown and skip Mollie Parker, 16-12.

Friday club nights continue to attract newcomers to the sport, come along from 6pm, suitable footwear is all that is required (flat shoes or trainers), all else will be provided, contact Mike Smith on 01404 811195 for more information.