A busy past week saw Sidmouth welcome a couple of touring sides, writes Carol Smith.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth captain Susie Bonnell together with Barnwood captain Paul and the players involved in what was a very special day of bowling. Picture CONTRIBUTEDSidmouth captain Susie Bonnell together with Barnwood captain Paul and the players involved in what was a very special day of bowling. Picture CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

First up was a visit from Oxfordshire-based Abingdon, who arrived with six mixed rinks.

A most enjoyable afternoon was had by all and when the final wood was delivered the scores were 120-112 in favour of the home bowlers.

The top Sidmouth rink on the day was the one of captain Mike, Karen Hollingdale, Gordon Brown and Janice Quinn.

The second touring side was Gloucestershire-based Barnwood, who pitched up on a beautiful sun-kissed Sidmouth day to contest 10 rinks. Barnwood were a great crowd and clearly enjoyed their visit.

At the halfway mark of the action, there were just a few shots between the teams. However, at the close, the visitors were clear winners having won on eight of the 10 rinks with an overall shots difference of42!

The two successful home rinks were the ones of Ann England, Mike Daw, Brenda Somerfield and skip Mike Borst (30-17) and Jean Brimson, Jim Brown, Janet Thomson and skip Peter Mison (31-17).

Needless to say, our opponents walked away to their local hotel very happy.