In the scorching summer weather, the Sidmouth Bowling Club's outdoor Men's Captain's Day saw 12 teams battle it out in a highly competitive afternoon.
Some 12 teams, 6 for Captain Mike and 6 for Vice Captain Jerome were pitted against each other in what was a very competitive afternoon.
However, the weather was not the only factor heating things up as the half-time scores stood at 59 for Captain Mike and 35 for Vice-Captain Jerome.
Notwithstanding the initial setback, Vice-Captain Jerome led his teams confidently into the second half.
Post the scrumptious tea interval organised and served by community members Zena, Anita, Mary, and Chris, Jerome's team improved their score to 85.
Despite their efforts, Captain Mike's team soared to a triumphant score of 120, also winning on four of the six rinks.
The friendly rivalry moved from the games to the bar, stewarded by Annie and Tony, where celebrations commenced alongside commiserations.
To list the standout performers of the event, The Captains, Tony Broughton, John Richards, and skip John Chew, clinched the top score with a decent 25 - 8, much to the delight of their team.
The day proved to be an enjoyable event for the participants and the spectators, including some older members joyfully reminiscing their bygone days.
On a subsequent warm evening, the Sunset Umbrella game took place.
A league-style match, where some 50 players had signed up at the start of the season, heralded 24 players this particular evening.
Accompanied by a fitting Italian-themed supper arranged by Christine and Chris Ward, the evening came to a delightful close.
Notably, the busy bar was handled efficiently by Karen.
Last year's winner was Ron Peppin, whose name is the first on the Winners Cup.
The Winners Cup was donated in memory of Carol Smith's late husband and an exemplary bowler, Mike Smith.
Ron winning was regarded as very fitting as he, along with Jerome, amongst other jobs, helps run the league.
In yet another exciting piece of news, the Terrific Trio Karen Hollingdale, Sue Turner, and Jane Painter continued their winning streak.
Having previously clinched the wins at Section 3 Major Triples and the Benevolent Triples, they have accomplished another feat by winning the Section 3 Two Wood Triples.
This win enabled their entry into the County Quarterfinals, scheduled to be played on August 19 at 5pm.
Jane, paired with Anita Mason, also proved victorious in the Section 3 Over 70's pairs against a formidable pair from Seaton.
Despite the odds, they left their competitors trailing behind with a glaring 17 - 7 scoreline.
The week's conclusion was marked by the visit of players and visitors from the Clarence Bowls Club Weston Super Mare.
Captain Mike scrambled eight fruitful playing rinks at the very last minute.
The visitors evidently resounded with the folk festival ambience and celebrated their triumph of 130 against Sidmouth's close 126 score.
Serving the team, Wendy and Joan prepared a fruitful tea whilst Keith and Tony managed the buzzing bar.
With a fulfilling end, they departed, looking forward to the visit next year.
Despite the narrow defeat, we witnessed a commendable win from Doug Moorman, Chas Coates, Tony Broughton, and skip John Deller.
Scoring an impressive 21 - 8, they were awarded the top rink, to which they were a great jubilation amongst spectators and well-wishers.
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