Sidmouth bowlers welcomed a friendly team from Shaftesbury, Dorset who certainly delivered a spirited competition on the rinks coupled with fantastic company.

The visiting team, bringing six playing rinks and several spectators, thoroughly relished their afternoon despite bouts of rainfall.

They considered Sidmouth's facilities and warm-hearted hospitality to be top-notch, expressing their eagerness to invite Sidmouth for a biannual exchange match.

The final score favoured the visitors as Sidmouth registered 81 points to Shaftesbury's 92, with Sidmouth claiming victory on three rinks, drawing on one and losing two.

Despite an on-pitch setback as one of our rinks, for reasons withheld, conceded a hotshot – the entirety of the opposing team's woods tallying against us.

Among the standout performances, Jill Bishop's rink comprising Chas Coates, David Cockburn and Steve Boyle eked out a thrilling win, 17-13, beating fellow Sidmouth teams to the post by a solitary shot.

Sidmouth's next engagement was against their friendly rivals over at Budleigh Salterton.

Three out of four Sidmouth rinks emerged victorious.

The fourth rink had a tougher match, unfortunately losing by a substantial margin.

Nevertheless, Sidmouth won the day with a narrow overall score of 71-67.

The most successful Sidmouth rink was that of John Deller, Ron Peppin and skip Zena Johnson, who scored an impressive 23-11.

Returning home, Sidmonth hosted a lively Ladies v Gents match.

Whilst the men often prevail in early season matches when the greens are heavier, the favourable greens did not tilt the balance to the ladies this year.

With wonderful weather and plenty of friendly ribbing, the men emerged victors, winning five of the six rinks and scoring 132 to the ladies' 97.

The ladies' winning rink comprised of Joan Crook, John Buttigieg and skip Sue Turner, scoring a commendable 27-9.

For the men, Steve Boyle, Allan Davis and skip David Timms were top performers with a decisive score of 34-12.

Looking ahead, the town's bowling club is hosting an Open Day on Saturday, September 21.

Anyone interested in trying their hand at the sport is warmly invited, with sessions available from 11am to 1pm or 2 to 4pm.

Expert coaches will be on hand free of charge, with beginners only requiring soft, clean-soled shoes.