Just like buses...

Sometimes bowling fixtures can be like the proverbially buses – none for six months and then suddenly, at the beginning of the season, there are three matches in five days! I am please to report that Ottery won all three matches!

The first match was on Tuesday 26 th April against Crediton, which was won by 107 shots to 93, with the home team winning on three out of five rinks. On this occasion, the top team consisted of Maurice Flower, Melvin Trayhurn and the husband and wife combination of Leighton and Eileen Burston.

On Friday 29 th April, Portishead Royal British Legion Bowling Club visited Strawberry Lane as part of their early season tour. Ottery came out winners with a score of 127 shots to 86. The top team was made up of Dot Luff, Dave Roberts, Richard Bland and Terry House.

The final match on Saturday 30th April will go down as the match that nearly never happened. Due to a computer glitch, an agreed match against Bitton Park from Teignmouth was omitted from the fixtures list. It was only by chance that this error was realized and very hastily 18 players were rounded up, cajoled, persuaded or bribed into playing at a moment’s notice. It is thought that The Fixtures Secretary, who is usually so proficient, has gone into hiding! Despite the panic, Ottery came out as winners by 104 shots to
80. John and Terri Ward together with Carol Bennett formed the top team on this occasion.

All in all, not a bad start to the season.