It’s been a busy past week for all concerned at Sidmouth Bowls Club, writes Sue and Peter Mison.

Last Wednesday three Sidmouth men’s rinks travelled to Madeira in Exmouth for a friendly match.

Like the weather Sidmouth were shining with the woods and won on two of the three rinks and by 79 shots to 39.

Well done, to the best rink of Brian Barber, David Ingyon, David Fairclough and skip John Mason who won by 36 shots to 8.

On Thursday Sidmouth held their first Finals Day.

The morning action began with the Ladies’ Singles Championship between Jill Bishop and Zena Johnson and the Men’s Singles Championship between Ed Backhouse and Tony Brown.

On the day Jill and Tony proved to be too strong for their opposition with Jill winning by 22 shots to 11 and Tony winning by 21 shots to seven.

There was some good bowling with two previous champions once again taking the honours.

The afternoon action was the final of the Ladies Joan Jeffrey competition which this year has been run as a triples competition and also played was the final of the Colin Bryant Cup which is part of the Men’s Nominated Triples League.

The Joan Jeffrey was an interesting game to watch with the team of Jackie Godbeer, Jean Green and skip Jill Bishop winning by 24 shots to 19.

Much excitement was generated when the team of Connie Tolley, Doreen Pound and skip Zena Johnson got a hot shot (all nine woods counting) which made for an interesting final few ends!

In the men’s match, which at times was also closely contested, the team of Tony Brown, John Mason and skip Norman Brimson (part of The Jays squad) ran out the eventual winners by 25 shots to 16 against the team of Maurice Watson, Tony Holland and skip Dennis Denner (part of the Outsiders squad).

On Friday the Men’s Sidmouth League held its annual presentation evening which is the culmination of various competitions within the League which started back in October. The winners of the League this year were Exonia with the runners up being Exmouth Beachcombers with Honiton Falcons in third place.

The Sidmouth League Cup, the earlier rounds of which are played around the Christmas period with the final played during the Presentation Evening, was contested by Exonia and Exmouth Beachcombers.

On this occasion Mick Powell, Cliff Skinner, Terry Reardon and skip Bill Davis, playing on behalf of the Beachcombers squad were determined to get their own back winning by 28 shots to 13, finishing the game at 18 ends.

Running through the evening is a consolation competition for those teams not playing in the finals and this year the Sidmouth Centurions were successful in winning.

Well done, to David Butler, John Chew, Peter Mison and skip Brian Smith who won the six end final by 11 shots to two.

The Cups and cheques were presented to the winners by Michael Lee, Managing Director of Potburys.

In his closing address chairman Peter Mison thanked Michael for generously sponsoring this League over many years which is greatly appreciated. During the course of the evening tasty refreshments were provided by Sue Mison and Mary Smith which all agreed, added to a very enjoyable evening.