In the last friendly match before the Christmas break, the Budleigh bowlers visited Sidmouth and came home with an early present, as they took the overall win against their local rivals writes David Roberts.

The trio of Melissa Camp, Margaret Avery and skip Paul Griffin were on top form and posted an impressive 18-7 victory after a dominant display of bowling, whilst, in a tighter match, Ann Vincent, Mike Killoran and Marilyn Jackson looked to be building an unassailable lead, only for the home team to score four shots on the last end and sneak a 15-15 draw.

Overall, though, the 33-22 victory for Budleigh represented a great result against a strong Sidmouth side and a great way to end a challenging 2021 for everyone in local sport.

In the Wednesday morning triples league, Team Oak made it three wins on the trot, as Peter Cooper, Norman Upchurch and skip David Tomlinson hit top form, fighting back from an early deficit to beat Team Beech 23-10.

On rink two, Team Elm were made to work really hard in an entertaining match before achieving a much-needed win against Team Willow 16-13.

As we head into the Christmas break, it is Team Ash (Tony Lim, Jackey Phillips, Mike Killoran, Bob Gooch and Tony Gooding) who top the league table, with Teams Beech and Oak in joint second place.

The Indoor initiative with U3A (University of the Third Age) has been a great success this season and to celebrate this fantastic partnership, the club held a Christmas round robin competition and Buffet, which was a great occasion.

A big thank you to Tony Mackness, Mo Bond, Paul Griffin Joan Shaw, Tony Lim and Mike Clark for all their hard work and it was the team of Bob Nicholls, Jude Cook and Liz Balmer-Wellard who took first place on another terrific day at the club.

Whilst the Members’ Christmas social had to be cancelled, warmest congratulations and hanks to Paul Griffin for once again arranging the annual Grand Draw.

The Club wishes all its members a very Happy Christmas and New Year.