Clive's late May report

What a joy it is to have almost constant sunshine so that Ottery St Mary Bowling Club can fulfil all their fixtures without having to refer to the old cricketing term ”Rain stopped Play!”

The week started very promisingly with a league match against Illminster in the top division of The East of Exe Mixed League (EEML). The rules of this competition stipulate that there must be at least one lady or one gentleman in each team, and each club must have four teams. It is usually thought that Illminster were one of the strongest teams in this league and as Ottery had to travel over to Somerset, the prospect of an away win was not a certainty. However not to be thwarted, Ottery won on all four rinks with an overall score of 82 shots to 65. Unusually two of the Ottery teams won by exactly the same margin..

The next match at Strawberry Lane was a friendly against near rivals, Budleigh, and on a brilliantly day full of warm sunshine the home team won by 116 shots to 69. The top team consisted of Maggie Beighton, Maurice Flower, Melvin Trayhurn and was captained by Richard Bland.

On Sunday 18th May, Dorset Patrons were our next visitors. This is a team comprising both men and women who have attained County recognition, and they came seeking revenge for last years match when Ottery managed to beat them. This year they arrived with a far more experienced team, and beat the home team on five of the six rinks played. The one shining light on the Ottery side was the team comprising Gerry Hill, Margaret Trayhurn and Terry House, who managed a substantial win. Despite the loss, it was a wonderful afternoon of bowling, friendship, good sportsmanship and laughter, which was rounded off with a traditional Devon Cream Tea. (cream first!). They have already arranged to re-visit Ottery next year.