The highlight of the Sidmouth bowling week was a visit from the Devon County Indoor Bowls Association president, Tony Berry, writes David Fairclough.

The president brought three rinks of the County’s more experienced bowlers from a number of clubs, including Honiton, Madeira, Torbay, Torquay and ISCA.

This was a closely contested and enjoyable game, with Sidmouth pleased to win on two of the three rinks, but losing overall by an aggregate score of 53-58. Sidmouth’s best rink, by a shot score of 26-13 was skipped by Bob Seldon, supported by Maurice Watson, Peter Mison and John Mason.

The afternoon was made all the more memorable as it was rounded off with a sumptuous tea, provided by the ladies’ captain and her team. A grateful thanks, ladies!

Unfortunately, the good form seen in the president’s invitation match could not be repeated in the County Trophy Match against Tiverton-based Mid Devon.

Sidmouth went down on all four rinks by a total aggregate score of 92-66. This overall disappointing score disguised the fact that on one of the home rinks we led at end 18, and on the other we only fell away in the last third. Also, one of the away rinks only lost by a two shot margin, so we should be heartened that we are not far from being able to compete successfully at this level.

The week was rounded off with a mixed game away at ISCA. Sidmouth won on one of the three rinks, but lost the overall match by a shot score of 48-67. The winning rink, by 23-16, was skipped by John Brown, supported by Pat Poole, Jean Green and Mike Daw.