sidmouth’s only friendly match in the last two weeks was against a mixed side from South Dorset who proved quite a challenge, winning on all four rinks with a total score of 76-56, writes Ron Cook.

The best rink for Sidmouth, losing by one shot on the last end, was Ray Tallent, David Butler, Betty Farmer and skip Phil Nobbs 14-15

The match against Somerset Acorns had to be cancelled due to the visitors being unable to raise a team.

In the over-60s League the A squad lost on both rinks at Exonia and won one, lost one against Madeira gaining two points. The B team got back into winning form with six points against North Tawton, losing out by only one shot overall. Their next match had to be postponed due to non availability of players and will be rescheduled.

The C squad could manage only one point with a drawn rink at Seaton and lost on both rinks against Ottery St Mary.

In the second County Trophy match, against Seaton, Sidmouth won both rinks away, drew one and lost one at home with an overall shot difference of plus five. Winning rinks were Ray Tallent, Gordon Blood, David Hughes and skip Ron Cook 20-15, Ken Bridgman, Jim Wrench, John Mason and skip Bob Seldon 21-16. The drawn rink was Chas Coates, Trevor A Pritchard, Brian Smith and Mike Borst 21-21. That puts Sidmouth in third place in the league.

The first round of the Top Club was away at Axminster which is always a challenge being an artificial surface.

However, in a true British summer, the match was played in torrential rain with high winds. All five rinks had standing water to contend with which made it extremely difficult to judge line and length.

Wellington boots would have been more appropriate for footwear as one of the lady markers had decided on. Very sensible under appalling conditions. Showing great resolve, Sidmouth carried the match through to a result, winning on three out of five rinks. Results were Two Wood singles Ivan Robins 10-15; Four Wood singles Ron Cook 15-21;. Pairs Ray Tallent and Brian Smith 20-16; Triples Ken Bridgman, John Mason and skip Bob Seldon 28-9; Fours Tony Holland, Brian Smith, Bob Daniels and skip Norman Brimson 16-8. Well done to all the players. The next opponents are Phear Park, at home.

The men’s championship got under way last week with first round wins for Trevor A Pritchard, John Mason, Bob Daniels, David Ingyon, Bob Seldon, Laurence Tobias, Brian Smith, Ivan Robins and Derek Mountford. Bert Hague went through with a bye and Norman Brimson on a walk over to the next round.

The Centenary Triples had only two matches in the first round with wins for David Hughes, Derek Limpus and Jim Wrench 17-11. Ray Tallent, Des Bridgeman, Derek Mountford 21-17.