Clive's End of Season report

As the season sadly draws to a close, suddenly only the last few remaining matches needed to be played.

On Friday 13th September, Shaftesbury Bowling club visited Strawberry Lane and a close match ensued, which was greatly enjoyed by both teams. Lunch was also included for the visitors and the catering team lived up to their reputation by providing a superb meal.

Saturday gave the players a break from playing, but Sunday was the annual Chairman’s Day, sponsored and organised by new chairman, Carl Gilleard. On this occasion two teams were created, one representing “North and East England” and the other was entitled “South and West” England. Members were requested to dress accordingly, and a fierce, but fun, battle of the regions ensued with a team ending ”th” coming out as winners! A good cream tea was enjoyed by all the players after the match, with the usual good natured debate as to whether it should be cream or jam first on the scone

The club always welcomes touring teams to the ground, and this year we were delighted to receive a visit from Bredon Bowling Club, generally known as the BBC, who travelled down from Worcestershire for their annual tour. Lunch having been enjoyed, the visitors gave Ottery a most enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine, but came away with a substantial defeat.

Sunday 22nd September sees The Final Drive, and thereafter the green will be closed for the winter, and the groundsman and his team will be busy preparing the surface for next year. Next season will commence on Sunday 13th April 2025.

In summary, it should be said that this season has been a very good one, with all matches played in the most competitive spirit with mutual respect for the opposition. Perhaps the most gratifying thing seen this season has been the arrival of new players to the game and to the club, and to hear one of them say “our first season has been so much fun!”