The mixed Umbrella played over three sessions each Monday is, without doubt, the most popular competition played within the club, with some 60 members taking part, writes Bert Hague.

The mixed Umbrella played over three sessions each Monday is, without doubt, the most popular competition played within the club, with some 60 members taking part, writes Bert Hague. The organiser Maurice Watson attempts to make sure that everyone plays against new opposition each week. The umbrella has always had a friendly, informal atmosphere and one where new bowlers especially can improve their bowling, discover their best playing position and get to know a large number of other members.It has been another very quiet week at the club in terms of competitions and matches, and there are only two to report on. The county over-60s' game, played both home and away, was something of a disaster for Sidmouth on all four rinks. Madeira won by an overall 45-95. Home, T Brown, B Hague, J Mason, C Bryant (skip) 10-22; B Smith, M Brimson, P Wilson; R Seldon (skip) 16-18. Away, B Rogers, J Davies, J Wall, T Wilkins (skip) 8-32; K Bridgman, D Lever, R Cook, B Boddy(skip) 11-23.The friendly mixed match against Honiton last Sunday was a closely fought affair with Sidmouth winning overall 83-74: B Farmer, G Tiley, E Mills, B Smith(skip) 25-14; A Smith, M Smith, M Watson, B Daniels(skip) 18-23; C Hunt, D Constable, S Graham, R Cook(skip) 21-19; M Hunt, M Price, R Graham, A Newman (skip) 18-18.It is noticeable, when reporting, that games played against Exonia and Madeira, whilst always competitive and well supported, are not generally as successful for Sidmouth as when they are playing against other local teams. I believe the reason for this is that the Exeter and Exmouth clubs have a much larger catchment area to draw upon.I hear that last week a member arrived for a match and played in a shirt of rather fetching blue instead of the more traditional white. I can think of only three reasons why this might have happened. 1, It was a simple senior wardrobe moment and he actually thought he was going shopping; 2, His new dark blue socks got mixed in the wash by mistake; 3, The club is doing some secret market research to check out a new uniform. Time will tell!