After the thunder and lightning storm on Saturday night, the next morning saw the first round of the drawn mixed pairs knockout competition, writes Carol Smith.

The green was running well if a little heavy after all that rain and there were some surprising results, some very close games winning or losing by just one shot and others by large margins.

And last year’s winners went out in the first round to a better duo! Good luck in the next round to those who got through.

Monday was yet another beautiful bank holiday; very unusual, but much appreciated by us bowlers!

We usually have an in-house drive on this day and today was no different, well, maybe just a little!

John Mason must have spent ages sorting it all out and before the start most of the players were totally confused (doesn’t take much for some of us).

The drive consisted of pairs and singles, but they played together as triples, then split up and went on to play another triples that had also split up (don’t ask).

Anyway, everyone enjoyed the afternoon and thanks must go to John and David for their hard work. This year is also the 110th anniversary of all things Sidmouth Bowls Club so, after the game, there were a few drinks and nibbles and a lovely cake to celebrate made by Chrissie.

The winners of the day were Peter Mison, in the singles, and Janice Quinn and Rob Wheaton.

Tuesday evening saw the first game of the men’s County Trophy League. This is played with two rinks home and two away on a Tuesday evening.

Sidmouth played against neighbours Madeira and only lost the whole match by just three shots. In the away element of the match one rink won and the second lost and at home one won and the other drew.