Well Sidmouth bowlers are now in their fourth week of the outdoor season and apart from no snow, have endured most weather fronts in that time, writes Susie Bonnell.

This week saw some games cancelled due to torrential rain. One of these was the Grace Matthews competition on Wednesday, when Sidmouth were due to host Madeira in the first round.

With a very tight and busy schedule, there was a scramble to find another date, but Madeira will return on Tuesday, June 6, at 6pm.

Two of the Exeter Over 50’s league games were also cancelled due to rain, so Blues at home to Shaldon and Yellows away at Budleigh, will need to re-scheduled.

Sidmouth did manage to play their friendly fixture with a mixed team from Lyme Regis on Thursday - always an event to look forward to when our over-the-border friends cross from Dorset to Devon.

It was a very closely contested game, enjoyed by everyone, with three winning rinks each and an overall score of 95-all, although there was some controversy about the final score, when the two captains of the day had different results on their score cards! Sidmouth, in the spirit of being honorable hosts, conceded the win to Lyme by one shot!

The top rink for Sidmouth was a triples team, led by skip Ann Capon with her team, Allan Davis and John Chew.

Friday afternoon saw a different set of matches altogether, when Sidmouth met Crediton in the first round of the National competition, The Tony Alcock Trophy, to play two mixed rinks. Sadly, it wasn’t Sidmouth’s day and although they won on one rink, the overall aggregate score gave Crediton the win.

Sunday saw the first rounds of the club’s mixed singles, and, on Monday, we welcomed regular visitors, the Retired Civil Servants from Plymouth.

They came early, as usual, to drop off their bowls and hit the shops and cafes of Sidmouth town.

On what was a beautiful day, weather wise, with the greens looking at their fabulous best, the home bowlers were able to record a 131-94 success.

The top Sidmouth rink was the one of Brian Smith (skip), David Timms, Mary Meadows and Derek Mountford.

Tuesday saw away matches for the ladies Blues and Yellows in the Over-50s League.

Blues were in action at Seaton while Yelows ventured further afield – to Shaldon.

It was a good day for both Sidmouth teams as Blues won on one rink, lost on the other, but overall secured a shot win and banked four of the six points on offer.

The top scoring Blues rink was the one of Jill Bishop (skip), Mary Smith and Jane Painter.

The Yellows, clearly refreshed after delicious pre-match pub lunch, also won one and lose one, but with a shots win they too banked four points.

The top Yellow team was the one of Susie Bonnell (skip), Val Newnham and Wendy Limpus.

It’s always a treat to play at Shaldon - as we know there’s a lovely cup of tea and homemade cake to enjoy after the game, sitting outside by the edge of the green - as well as the lovely company of the Shaldon ladies, of course.

The men also had a busy day on Tuesday - with four rinks travelling to Madeira for a friendly match.

It all went very well for the Sidmouth men who recorded a 102-88 success with the highest scoring rink being the one of Pete Mison (skip), Derek Mountford and Frank Adam.

We are well into the swing of outdoor bowling now and enjoying every minute - particularly when the sun shines!