At this time of the season, many of the internal competitions are drawing to a close, with the finals being played next month. As a result, many local clubs organise invitation events, and such was the case with Lyme Regis Bowling Club who arranged a Ladies round robin match. Teams from 6 other local clubs accepted the invitation. Ottery St Mary Bowling club sent a team comprising Emma Bradshaw-Smith, Margaret Trayhurn and Carol Keating, under the captaincy of club chair person, Sharon Kenny. The charity chosen by the Lyme Regis captain was “Butterflies”, who support children with disabilities, enabling special equipment to be purchased for them.

After an afternoon of excellent bowling Ottery were pronounced the winners, and a rose bowl and shield were duly presented to the ladies.

The second competition that took place on Saturday was the annual, prestigious, Redfern Trophy. Invitations were sent to Chardstock, Honiton, Budleigh and Sidmouth.. As the name indicates, this competition is sponsored by Redferns Estate Agents, and the club really appreciates this continued sponsorship which now stretches back over several years. The weather forecast was for occasional showers, but these held off, allowing a superb afternoon of friendly yet competitive bowling. It is usual for bowling club teas to consist of a biscuit and a cup of tea, but on this occasion the catering team surpassed themselves by providing sandwiches and cake, as well as the mandatory cup of tea, At the end of a most enjoyable afternoon, the results were compared and it was found that Ottery had not only won the competition, but they had come second and third as well.

Mr Lee Maddocks from Redferns duly presented the competition vase to the winning team of Shirley Fewtrell, Tony Bushell, Maurice Flower and Clive Russell.

As the season draws to a close, we wish all members who have successfully negotiated their way through various competitions, every success in the future. It is hoped that the trophy cabinet will have to be enlarged!

It is so much more pleasure to report on a good run of matches rather than having to write about matches lost

The successful fortnight stated on Saturday 8th July when Sidmouth Bowling Club were entertained at Strawberry Lane, with Ottery winning by 64 shots to 53. The top team on this occasion was Jane Bishop, Brian Hammond, Grant Hawes and Tony Luff.

The following Saturday was Captain’s Day when all members are welcomed to an afternoon of bowls, laughter and banter, with a good meal to finish the day.. The day was organised by club captain Melvin Trayhurn, with more than a little help from his wife Margaret.. Rather than play a round robin series of matches, they decided that the ladies would play the gentlemen. Several of the men had to play for the ladies team, suitably dressed for the occasion. Dave Roberts was awarded the prize for the best “dressed lady” The top team consisted of Steve Bishop, Grant Hawes and Richard Chapple. Chivalry precludes me from publishing which team won, but sufficient to say that everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

In between these matches a team played Taunton Vivary, and they won by just one point. Special thanks are due to Kara David for making up the numbers to form the team (No doubt club vice captain, Ryan Seers, had something to do with this).

Finally the successful run was completed by an away match against Starcross, with the winning margin being 87 shots to 78.

It is so good to see that players who have only learnt how to play the game this year are now good enough to represent the club in some of these friendly matches. It is to be hoped that the successful run will continue to the end of the season

As Press Officer for Ottery St Mary Bowling Club, it is often easier to write about successes rather than about matches lost!

In the last two weeks, the club has played two away matches, the first against Honiton and the second against Seaton. Both matches resulted in good wins for the home team, leaving club captain Melvin Trayhurn scratching his head and saying “we just did not turn up!”

Now for the club successes. Firstly Sharon Kenny and Gail Hawke have won through to the last 16 in The County Pairs Competition. Secondly a ladies team comprising of Eileen Burston, Carol Keating and Shirley Fewtrell won the Spears Trophy, an invitation event run by Sidmouth Bowling Club. Eileen has also completed the requirement needed in order to gain her County Badge. Finally the ladies team in The Grace Matthews Top Club, competition, which is a multi
disciplined series of matches, beat Sidmouth to win through to the last 16.They will now play Seaton at home later this month.

Not to be out done, the men’s section are also playing well. Tony Bushell and Mike Kelsey in the County Men’s Pairs, have won the area section, and now will play a club from another section in order to proceed in the competition. Finally Leighton Burston in the two woods singles has won section 3 and will now play against a gentleman from Exonia.
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We wish both the ladies and the men’s teams every success in their competitions..