This week saw the start of many leagues, together with county and national competitions, writes Carol Smith.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Bowls Club bar person Wendy who, with her husband Mick, looks after the bar at the clubSidmouth Bowls Club bar person Wendy who, with her husband Mick, looks after the bar at the club (Image: Archant)

In the Exeter and District Over-60s League, Sidmouth A banked another six points as they recorded a second successive win of the fledgling season.

This time they were up against neighbours Budleigh Salterton, who they defeated 38-24.

The best Sidmouth team was the one of Allan Davis, Brian Smith and skip Chris Nappin, who won 28-8.

The B team also had a terrific win. They were involved in a nail-biting finish in a home meeting with Exonia B. With just one end remaining the aggregate scores were level. One Sidmouth team lost by five shots, but the other team won by six, giving Sidmouth overall victory by a single shot. It meant six points being banked, but phew – it was close! Well done to Dutch Holland, Ken Robertson and skip Bob Daniels, who won 21-16.

On Friday evening the club saw the start of the club’s nominated mixed pairs league. All 12 teams were out on the top green.

However, after a few ends the heavens opened and we all got very wet! In some sports rain stops play, but not in bowls, unless, that is, the greenkeeper says the green is unplayable or there’s thunder and lightning all around! So, the hardy old bowlers just carry on regardless! Anyway, after drying off, we all got together in the bar to warm up, inside and out.

Saturday was a better day, but still very chilly for the time of year.

Sidmouth hosted the Ladies County Fours for section three (East Devon). Devon, as a county, is split into eight sections for this outdoor competition.

Sidmouth entered two teams, but sadly both lost, albeit by narrow margins. The two winning teams of the day were from Seaton and Ottery St Mary.

The pair are now through to the last 16 where they will meet other section winners.

Also on Saturday, Sidmouth men went off to Madeira to play in the National Club Two Fours knockout competition.

They did very well against Madeira’s finest before being edged out by a margin of just four shots overall.

One rink enjoyed a win and that was the one of Bill Sheerman, Brian Smith, Ken Wheeler and skip Chris Nappin, who won 19-10. Well done to them.

Sunday saw the start of the Sidmouth mixed championship. There were lots of entries from both ladies and gents and there were some very close game.

It’s great to see so many members on the green and, with the improved weather, there were lots of folk watching the action (you always play a good game when you are watching!). The winners from the day now proceed to the next round.