On a busy August afternoon at Sidmouth Bowls Club, Nailsea Bowls Club, who had journeyed from Bristol, encountered Sidmouth's hospitality.

With 7 full rinks and two triples prepared for the game, Sidmouth's Captain, Mike, had to work overdrive to gather enough players.

Despite the hurdle, he managed to convene a full team.

In the sweltering heat, Nailsea insisted on playing the full 18 ends, a tough feat even for the most hardy players.

The visiting team of players and spectators numbering 12 or 13, were also treated to Devon Cream Tea, the work of diligent volunteers.

Appropriately refreshed, Nailsea were overwhelmingly happy, having won on most of the rinks and overall, despite Sidmouth's best rink consisting of Brian Deam, Joan Crook, Vincent Ferrante and skip Paul Stanton, who did manage a respectable 20-14.

Madeira BC Exmouth visited Sidmouth with five rinks of triples.

Despite forecasts of rain, just a drizzle was in store, and the friendly but competitive game was not disrupted.

Play was evenly balanced until tea when Madeira claimed victory on three out of the five rinks, concluding an overall score of 91 to 76.

With the outdoor season approaching its conclusion, Sidmouth is preparing for its Club Finals Day, taking place on August 30 and 31 and September 1.

The semi-finals are to be played midway through the month.

Currently, the matches lined up include Open Singles where Jane Painter will face Andrew Lowe, Mens Climo with Ken Wheeler challenging John Richards, and Mixed Pairs game where Julie Wevill pairs with John Mason against Anita Mason and Keith Pollitt.

Other games will see Scott Archer and Zena Johnson play Sue Turner and Brian Smith in the Nominated Mixed Pairs, and Carole Williams, Patrick Collins, Debbie Leed and David Timms against Brian Deam, Chris Radburn, Keith Pollitt and Sue Turner in the Beer Cup.

In the Mens 2 Wood game, Andrew Lowe will play against Alun Brown, with Sid Hawkins, and Paul Stanton against Martin Jenkins wrapping up the array of games set to bring the thrilling outdoor season to an unexpected close.