The gloomy weather sadly meant the Coronation Drive at Sidmouth Bowls Club could not take place, which was a shame, as everyone entered into the spirit of it by dressing appropriately.
However, not to be deterred, quick-thinking David Timms and John Mason got their heads together and organised a Royal Quiz. ‘Vinyl’ Ron came with his disco music. The bar was opened by Sue Doughty and the food was an amazing spread, all brought along by the players for a ‘bring and share supper’. So, although there was no bowling, a good time was had by all.
Next it was the Tony Allcock National Mixed 2 x 4's knockout Competition. The Sidmouth team travelled to Honiton to play at 6pm but the green was flooded, so unplayable. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to rearrange, so the game was decided on the toss of a coin. Sadly, Sidmouth lost the toss. It's obviously a National rule but what a terrible way to win or lose.
Last Friday, the sun finally shone brightly for our Ladies Devon (Grace Matthews) Topclub. This was played at home against a Maderia team. This Competition has five disciplines, 2 wood Singles, 4 wood singles, pairs, triples and 4's (rink).
You need to win a minimum of three disciplines to proceed to the next round and what a great show the Sidmouth ladies provided. In the 4 wood singles, Jane Painter had an excellent win, 21 - 2. The 2 wood singles was played by Karen Hollingdale and turned out to be an epic. On the 21st end it was all level at 13-13, so an extra end was required and, unfortunately on a measure, Karen lost 13 - 14.
The triples of Mary Turner, Anita Mason and skip Jill Bishop had an amazing win of 34 – 7, which meant it was now two in the bag and both the pairs and the 4's were having very close games. Then, looking up at the pairs score, they lost a six.
Going into the final end, the Sidmouth quartet were four shots down at 17 - 21. Our lead, Jean Brimson, refused to buckle, took the mat up the green and did her bit by placing a couple of woods around the jack and skip Brenda Somerfield added to them.
Unusually, the Maderia skip missed with all her woods, so we thought it would be an extra end but no need for the Sidmouth team, as they were holding five shots to win 22 - 21 for an exciting conclusion.
The 4's of Christine Ward, Carol Timms, Barbara Donaldson and skip Zena Johnson, after 16 ends, were two shots in front at 16 - 14 but as we had already won the overall tie, Madeira conceded. The next round will be away to either Ottery St Mary or another Madeira team.
Sidmouth men went to Exonia BC to play the National Club 2 x 4's. The rink of Mick Cox, Clive Brook, David Timms and skip Brian Smith had a great win of 17 - 9. Sadly, our second rink, although holding shot many times, unfortunately didn't have enough woods in the head, hence the Exonia skip took Sidmouth’s shot out to leave them with multiple shots. The overall score in favour of Exonia was 35 - 22.
Finally, last Saturday some 50-plus members went to one of our luxury seafront hotels for our Indoor Presentation Lunch. As is usual, they did us proud with a great lunch and such a lovely environment. Our ladies Captain Marie Timms and men’s Captain Tony Broughton awarded all the cups and prizes. Master of Ceremonies, Peter Mison, as usual did a great job but the jokes don't improve! A good time was had by all and well done to all those winners.
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