Outstanding victories for Sidmouth bowlers in knockout comps

Exonia are known to have some formidable players. However, we were the challengers, so had the advantage of playing on our own green. Amazingly, Exonia turned up with one player short and, although you can play three against four, because the trio has the advantage of three bowls each for the front two players, then at game end they have to concede 25 percent of their score. The usual format is two bowls for each of the four players on each team.

Anyway, Sidmouth had a great win by 35 shots to 23, and on both rinks by six shots each. Our teams for the day were Roger Stewart, John Richards, John Mason and skip Mike Borst, and Andrew Lowe, Mick Cox, Brian Smith and skip Ken Wheeler. A great result and we wish them every success in the next round, which will be away against either Topsham or Madeira.

It was then on to our ladies, who also had a great win in The Devon InterClub. Again, another knockout competition, so it's good to get the first match under your belt. That they did with a great result of 42-27 and victories on both rinks. The weather turned a bit and they got a little wet and cold but, as you can see from the score, this didn't deter the Sidmouth players.

Our draw was against Totnes and these matches are all played on a neutral green. This game was played at Abbrook Park, Kingsteignton and, by coincidence, the next round is against Abbrook Park and this will be played at Culm Vale on June 1. We wish them great success. Our teams were Jean Brimson, Mary Turner, Brenda Somerfield and skip Jill Bishop, and Karen Hollingdale, Anita Mason, Sue Turner and skip Jane Painter.

Last weekend, we headed to Lyme Regis with five triples for a mixed friendly match. ‘Wets’ were certainly order of the day at the start, however after tea, the weather improved, so that these could be discarded.

Lyme Regis bowling club is in a beautiful seafront position and, although it's in Dorset, the club is very close to us in East Devon. I understand the rinks were rather tricky and difficult to master.

However, that didn't deter our players, who came home with a great overall win of 86-53. Also with three winning rinks, the 4th managing a draw and the 5th not doing very well! Was that Captain of the Day, John's rink, I wonder?

It was a good afternoon’s bowling, along with good company and a good result. What more can you ask for? Our top team was Deborah Robertson, Jerome Hagen and skip Mick Cox.

Then came another friendly away to our neighbours at Madeira. This time, it was six mixed triples and a good afternoon of bowls with the rain managing to stay at bay. The green at Madeira was in very good condition and playing extremely well.

We received a very warm welcome and won on four of the six rinks. However, we did lose overall, the score being in Madeira's favour, 104 - 86. Our top rink was Brian Beam (again), Anita Mason and skip Roger Stewart, 19-15 .

Roger kindly stepped forward as Men's Vice Captain this season, so great training for 2023 season as Captain. Well done and thank you Roger.

Another large Touring Team arrived to play against us last Friday. They were Old Basing on Tour from Hampshire and it turned out to be a brilliant match. They loved our town, our club, our greens and, of course, our friendliness, although perhaps not the final score 143-110 for Sidmouth.

Captain Mike (front left) with Sidmouth and Old Basing players (Image: Carol Smith)