Sidmouth bowler - and also a regular supplier of club news to the Sidmouth Herald - Susie Bonnell, has peened a poem all about the noble sport of bowls, writes Steve Birley.

The Bowler’s Brief by Susie Bonnell

No.1 - the lead is first to play -

An important role on the day

You toss a coin up in the air -

Place the mat fair and square

You bowl the jack straight and true

To just the spot Skip tells you to

Now you need to bowl your best

And on the jack you’ll come to rest

Your work is done - you just wait to see

How long it takes to knock them free

Next to go is the No.2

Oh! you think - not much to do

But if your lead has bowled right through

Then to protect that jack is up to you

One on target and one behind

You can rest with an easy mind

Now No.3 has their chance to shine

Nos.1 and 2 have shown the line

So up you go to build the head

- or go right through for best back instead

Two woods are done and so are you

No damage done - say Oh Phew!

No. 4, - the Skip comes in

We’re holding two - to win the match

Keeping them there - that’s the catch

Hero or villain - just wait and see

But win or lose - there’s always tea

Play in sunshine or howling gales

Meet new friends and swap some tales

Playing at home or going on tour

The game of Bowls - the best for sure.