Ok - who turned off the summer? It’s tough going for us hardy bowlers at the moment - trying to look as though we’re enjoying our outdoor sport in the wind and rain is wearing a bit thin!, writes Susie Bonnell.

Having said that, we still managed to play some outstanding bowls both in club competitions and in league games across the past week.

First up, a Wednesday the Sidmouth men’s league teams had three games and the A team, in the Exeter and District Triples League, travelled to Ottery St Mary where they managed to secure the full eight points, winning on both rinks to now move into third place in their league table.

With two more games in hand this season, and with bowling fingers crossed, it looks like they could achieve one of their best summer seasons to date.

On Friday, the lovely ladies from Shaldon travelled to Sidmouth to play the Sidmouth Yellows team in another round of the Over-50s league, making good use of a local hostelry first for a hearty lunch.

With winds blowing and black clouds scudding in, it looked at one point as the game might be abandoned, but the gutsy ladies battled on, ending with a win on both rinks for the Sidmouth women, giving them the full six points.

If you had passed by during this match, you would never know it was a serious highly competitive league game, as the laughter rang out across the greens

A very welcome pot of tea at the end of the game helped everyone to warm up and send the Shaldon ladies on their long journey home somewhat comforted.

Those dark clouds were the harbingers of heavy rain which rolled in and poured down all day Saturday.

Unfortunately, for those playing in the club’s mixed nominated pairs. Which commenced at 2pm, there was a salutary reminder of how cruel English summers can be!

One player spent the entire game playing with a bowls towel draped over his head whilst others donned various garments and headgear in an attempt to fend off the wintry rain.

Everyone was very relieved to head for the clubhouse when their games were over.

On Monday, the Sidmouth Yellows were playing again - this time it was their turn to be ‘ladies at lunch’, as they were playing away at Morchard Bishop, using this as an opportunity for ‘team bonding’ and partaking of a jolly good pub luncheon first!

The efficacy of this socialising was proved - as the ladies secured yet another six points by winning on both rinks - despite being wrapped up in fleeces and waterproofs!

As bowlers at Sidmouth watched and listened to the construction of various marquees near their greens this week, they hope the imminent arrival of Folk Week will bring back the sunshine and summer days.