It was a week of mixed fortunes for Sidmouth bowlers, the highlight being further points earned in the men’s Over-60s League, writes David Fairclough.

The week began with Sidmouth mixed teams renewing acquaintances, with friends from West Berkshire Clubs.

As in recent years, they had brought a touring team to Devon, thereby boosting the turnover of an esplanade hotel during the off-season, whilst playing a number of games against local clubs, including Sidmouth.

A great time was had by all, and the result of the bowls match was almost incidental. It must be recorded, though, that Sidmouth won on two of the three rinks, and by an aggregate shot score of 61-45.

The best Sidmouth rink, with a score of 26-10, was skipped by Bert Hague, supported by Janice Quinn, Mike Daw, and Connie Tolley.

This put club members in a nice relaxed frame of mind for the two men’s league matches scheduled during the week.

The first, in the County Trophy Over 60s League, was played against the South Hams Club, with two rinks in Sidmouth and two in Kingsbridge.

The home rink skipped by Bob Seldon, supported by Tony Brown, Brian Barber and John Mason, won 20-16. The away rink of Maurice Watson, Dave Lever, Peter Mison and skip Ron Cook won 22-17. Together these rinks earned the club a welcome six league points.

The promise shown in these two fixtures had unfortunately evaporated by the weekend, such that the Interclub League match last Saturday (February 21), against Torquay B can only be described as one to forget!

Suffice to say that Sidmouth lost on all four rinks, with an aggregate shot score of 101-57!

It’s as well that we draw a veil over this result, and remember the positives from earlier in the week!