Players from Sidmouth Bowling Club have had a busy week taking part in the Devon TopClub competition.

Sidmouth men march onto the Section 3 Final in the Devon TopClub bowling competition, following a nail-biting game at Budleigh Salterton.

Victory came in the second round of the tournament after the Sidmouth players successfully won all five disciplines in the previous competition.

At Budleigh Salterton, the match delivered an excitingly close game that saw Sidmouth taking it to the wire.

The two pairs of Roger Stewart and Mike Borst ended their 16th round on a tight score of 13 all.

Their final two ends, however, cost them four shots, resulting in a loss, 13-17.

The triples consisting of Scott Archer, Allan Davis, and Alun Brown, found themselves level at 16 all on their 17th end but lost their final round by two shots.

Despite the initial setback, the quartet of Brian Deam, John Richards, Paul Stanton, and John Mason led considerably in their rink, achieving a commendable score of 23-7.

In the 2-wood match, Andrew Lowe seized a narrow victory by stretching their game to the full 21 ends, winning 13-10.

The game reached a critical stage with two disciplines each, leaving the results hingeing on Ken Wheeler's 4-wood singles match.

After 20 ends, Wheeler held a lead of 18 shots to 9.

His opponent escalated his game, restricting Wheeler to a single shot over nine ends.

Now facing a 20-19 deficit, Wheeler's nerve held steady, and he secured two shots on the last end to win 21-20.

A heart-pounding round but slightly too close for comfort.

A good singles game can often take, 20 / 25 ends, but this one took 30.

The win placed Sidmouth men in the Section 3 Final against Ottery St Mary.

Playing this close to home, Sidmouth thrived on a winning spree against their neighbouring teams.

A return match against Lyme Regis saw a shift in tables as victorious rinks reduced from the previous four to a solitary win.

The game wasn't as successful as when they visited Sidmouth several weeks ago.

Despite the overall loss to Lyme by 109 to 77, all competitors appreciated the friendly company.

A meeting with close neighbour Budleigh Salterton was enjoyed as the weather was in both teams' favour and the day was sunny. Sidmouth took the victory on all four rinks.

The competition saw a nice crowd of friendly people.

The overall score was 80-56 in Sidmouth's favour.

Moreover, against Feniton in the County Trophy, Sidmouth achieved a rousing win on all four rinks, hence racking up maximum points.

In the final mixed friendly against Tiverton Borough, the weather was less friendly.

A bit of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the bowlers, though everyone agreed to play just 15 of the usual 18 ends.

Despite the defiance, out of four rinks, a rink was lost, one drew and two were won.

However, Sidmouth still held an overall win with a score of 48-43.

This series of matches truly tested the skills and determination of the Sidmouth men.

Holding their nerve and showing great discipline, they have proven their worth on the green.

Encouraged by their recent victories, the Sidmouth men now prepare for the Section 3 Final, against Ottery St Mary on August 11, 6.15pm.

The team is hopeful for strong support from its members at its home ground.

Enveloped in excitement, yet showing a calm exterior, the Sidmouth team is ready for their next challenge.