I think I can be reasonably sure that, when Maurice Watson, Mary Smith and Des Bridgeman joined Sidmouth Bowling Club, they thought their days of swotting for and taking exams were over, writes Bert Hague.

I think I can be reasonably sure that, when Maurice Watson, Mary Smith and Des Bridgeman joined Sidmouth Bowling Club, they thought their days of swotting for and taking exams were over, writes Bert Hague. Not so. Last Friday saw them under the critical eyes of senior coach Harold Phillips of Ottery, who came to the club to test them for their bowling coaching exam. All three rose to the occasion and passed with flying colours. They will now have the opportunity to pass on their expertise to new members. We wish them patience, perseverance and perspicuity when dealing with their charges and I am sure that their coaching certificates will sit comfortably alongside those for 17-yard breast stroke, fire lighting and first aid...l On Sunday there will be a meeting at the club at 11am for any member interested in joining a bowling tour to Spain or Portugal in 2009.l Fancied duo Bob Seldon and Peter Norvill were knocked out of the men's pairs by Ron Graham and John White. Bert Hague and Anne Smith got through to the second round of the mixed pairs on a fluke and an extra end. Brian Barber beat John Doyle in the first round of the singles.There is only one mixed game to report on this week and that was against Taunton Vivary on Saturday. Taunton won on two of the three rinks. Sidmouth's best rink consisted of Pat Hague, M B Smith, Dreda Taylor and Bill Turner (skip). Taunton won overall 41-78.Sidmouth were slightly unfortunate in their county trophy over-60s' home and away games against Torbay on Wednesday the 18th. Sidmouth lost by three shots at home: B Smith, P Clements, B Daniels, P Wilson (skip) 20-20; K Bridgman, D Lever, T Pritchard, B Boddy (skip) 15-18. Sidmouth lost by seven shots away: B Rogers, T Brown, J Wall, C Bryant (skip) 18-22; J Mason, R Graham, N Brimson, R Seldon (skip) 18-21.Remember, new bowlers, full rinks are made up of four players, three skips at one end and a fool at the other!