Has summer been and gone?

As I sit down to write this article, suddenly it feels that the Summer is over! The trees are just beginning to turn brown and the acorns are already dropping off the oak trees, and the bowling season is drawing to its close.

Perhaps the best way to sum up this season is to say “Nearly, but not quite”. The ladies section entered the County competition which is open to all the bowling clubs in Devon. They fought their way through the opening rounds to reach the semi final, which was played at the South Molton Club. Their opponents in the semi final was Culm Vale, and such was the quality of our ladies play, that they reached the final with a concession by Culm Vale. The final was played in the afternoon of the same day, and the opponents were Tiverton West End. As hard as The Ottery ladies tried, the match was eventually lost on the last shot of the final end, gutting to say the least.

Earlier in the season, the men’s section reached the finals of the TopClub competition, played this year at Plymouth. Regrettably, becoming championship winners eluded them. The club is extremely proud of both sections having progressed so far in both competitions.

It is not all a case of just missing out on trophies! A team comprising of Carl Gilliard, Grant Hawes and Brian Hammond competed in an invitation event organised by Budleigh Bowling Club, and returned home holding the Victory Cup.

Ottery St Mary Bowling Club also organises an invitational event, which is sponsored and supported by Redferns of Ottery. This event is open to other clubs and this year competitors came from Budleigh, Chardstock, Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. Unfortunately, one club who had agreed to come, pulled out at the very last minute, giving an administrative headache to the organisers. Following an afternoon of fierce competition, an Ottery team consisting of Gail Hawke, Brian Salter, Charlie Griffin and Emma Bradshaw-Smith were declared the winners.

The club wishes to thank Redferns of Ottery for their continued support and sponsorship of this event, which is greatly looked forward to by the competing clubs. No doubt a quality high tea is part of the attraction!

As the season draws to a close, the internal competitions are nearly complete and the finals will soon be taking place, with the awards taking place at the annual dinner. Friendly matches have taken place throughout the season (weather permitting), and these have been competitively played with a sprinkling of laughter, banter, good humour and respect for the opposition. It has been particularly gratifying to see people new to the game, proudly wearing the Ottery colours, and enjoying a new sport, coupled with a great social experience