Clearly, the Christmas break had a beneficial effect on Sidmouth bowlers, with success in both cup and friendly fixtures since the festivities came to an end, writes David Fairclough.

The men had a first round Charles Parrott Cup fixture again Dawlish, including those club players not qualified at County level. The fixture comprised one rink at home and one at Dawlish, played simultaneously. Congratulations, to the home rink of Dave Lever, Peter Mison, Dennis Denner and skip Ron Cook, who won 27-18. Well done also to the away rink of Ray Tallent, Tony Holland, Stuart Hamer and skip Bob Seldon, who held Dawlish to a three shot margin, thereby contributing to an aggregate 43-37 win. We now look forward to a second round fixture against Plymouth.

The week also saw an Interclub League match against, coincidentally, Dawlish. Unfortunately, the good form in the cup match could not be replicated in the league fixture, and we went down on all four rinks, to an aggregate score of 54-106.

The pain inflicted by the league match result was eased by the week’s two friendly matches. Firstly, we received three mixed rinks from Bovey Tracey club, and won two of the three rinks and by an aggregate score of 53-48. The best rink was skipped by Ron Cook, supported by Mary Smith, Pat Poole, and Garry Hargrave, winning 19-13.

On Sunday, January 4, we took three men’s rinks to Axminster where a most enjoyable and closely fought game resulted. Although losing on two of the three rinks the aggregate score was a one shot win for Sidmouth at 58-57.

Sidmouth’s winning rink, by a shot score of 22-12, was skipped by Ron Cook, supported by Dave Lever, Steve Pearson, and Allan Davis.

In summary, it can be considered a successful week with Sidmouth winning three of the four matches played. However, it is disappointing that success in the league matches remains elusive.