One of the club’s prestigious men’s events concluded last Friday, when the Sidmouth League Finals Night was held, writes Carol Smith.

This league, which runs through the whole indoor season starting in September, is kindly sponsored by Potburys and is supported by teams from around East Devon.

Friday’s event included the Challenge Cup final, which this year was contested by teams from Sidmouth and Exmouth-based Madeira.

Much to the delight of the majority of spectators, Sidmouth came out the victors, but only after the two bowls closest to the jack following the final end were measured!

As this was Sidmouth’s first cup victory for 18 years, needless to say much celebration followed.

Congratulations, to the winning team of Bill Sheerman, Brian Smith, Chris Nappin, and skip Ken Wheeler.

Last, but certainly not least, we must record heartfelt and sincere thanks to Potburys for their generous sponsorship.

? Wednesday once again saw the staging of the much anticipated ladies-versus-gentlemen match at Sidmouth.

The contest is played over two sessions with the result being determined by the overall aggregate score.

Remembering we ladies beat the men in the October match, we knew they would be out to get us!

In the morning session, the ladies started very well, and, after 10 ends, held a 29-17 lead.

Unfortunately, the men caught up and, at the 18th and final end, the ladies were down by eight shots.

Could it perhaps have had anything to do, I wonder, with us loaning them some of our ladies as they were a little short on men?

It probably was a mistake, as the best rink on the morning session was our very own Mary Smith teaming up with Mike Daw, Derek Mountford and skip, and also husband of Mary, Brian Smith, who won 21-17.

The afternoon session proved much better for the ladies, winning overall by a margin of five shots.

Alas, for us ladies, it still meant that overall success, this time, went to the gentlemen to the tune of a three shot success.

Anyway, well done to the men, and thank you for our drinks and great banter in the bar after the match.

The best afternoon team was that of Sandra Wheeler, Janice Quinn, Ann Capon and skip Jill Bishop, who won 15-11.

? The penultimate Sunday of April saw the final day of this indoor season.

We held two sessions of mixed drives, one morning and one afternoon.

They were very well supported with a full complement for both sessions.

The morning winners were Mary Smith, Jenny Fricker, Derek Mountford and Ray Tallent.

The afternoon winners were Mary Meadows, Norman Brimson, Bert Hague and Jill Bishop with a plus seven score.

I think Jill must have paid the last team they played as (no names mentioned) they gave them seven shots on the last end!

Anyway, a good time was had by all and a lot of laughter in the bar afterwards. We also all wished for good weather for the outdoor drive on Monday.