Sidmouth entertained a touring team from Newbury Bowls Club, who are based in West Berkshire, writes Carol Smith.

They have been coming to Sidmouth for a long weekend tour for many years.

Luckily, they arrived before the snow fell, but were then limited to their hotel or carefully walking around Sidmouth – which all meant, sadly for them, not much touring in the proper sense of the word!

However, by Saturday, when they were due to play us, a lot of the snow had disappeared, but underfoot conditions were certainly still of the treacherous variety.

Despite the weather, we managed to round up enough players to give them both morning and afternoon games.

The best of the Sidmouth morning teams was the one of Dave Andrews, Sylvia Cook, Anita Mason and skip John Mason, who won 24-11.

In the afternoon session, the best of the home rinks – but by a margin of just one shot – was the one of Chris Radburn, Barry ‘birthday boy’ Curwen, Sandra Wheeler and captain and skip Ken Wheeler, who secured a 32-13 success.

Sidmouth took the overall match honours to the tune of a 139 to 91 shot success.

The tourists really were very good company and, as they were all staying within walking distance of the bowls club, made the most of the bar which did very well both during and after the bowls. Despite the weather woes – and the score – it is wonderful to be able to report that the Berkshire touring party have already booked their 2019 visit and we do all so look forward to that.