National and County competitions have now reached the final stages and, following some very exciting rounds, Madeira Bowls Club will have teams in the regional finals.

In a exceptional achievement for local bowls, two Madeira ladies teams have reached the semi-final of the County Rinks. Jenny Charles and her team of Myra Furminger, Ann Maloney and Dee Williams pulled off a coup against a strong Honiton team, winning by two shots to make their way to the semi-final when they will play fellow club members Sue Harriott, Janine Orchard, Christine Macaulay and Penny Preece on February 26 at Honiton.

In National competitions, Sue Harriott, Nicky Fiddimore and Christine Macaulay won their semi-final game of the Over 50s triples by 17 shots to 13 against another strong Honiton team. In the area semi-final of the Over 60s pairs, Sue and Janine Orchard beat fellow club members, the two Dees (Norman and Williams), for their place in the area final. Both of these games are to be played against teams from Plymouth.

Additionally, several Madeira ladies took part in the County two-wood singles at Honiton. Lin Halpin and Penny Preece won one round each, Debbie Cole won two and Dee Williams won through three rounds for a place in the County Finals at Madeira in March.

Last Wednesday, Madeira played Plymouth B in the last game of the round robin matches in the Over 60s league. Madeira needed to win at least one rink in order to retain their fourth place in the League and thereby progress to the knock-out stages.

Plymouth brought two strong rinks to Madeira and dominated the first half of the game, leading 20 shots to 0 at eight ends. A strong response by both our teams pulled that back to 29 shots to 40 by the end. The away teams got off to a steady start to lead by 24 shots to 19 at 10 ends and defended that position well to finish by 43 shots to 39.

Cliff Skinner’s team of Dave Tucker, Chris Reed and Ron Cook managed to take the three points for a rink win, which put the Madeira team out of reach for Plymouth. In the first round knock-out stage, Madeira will play Plymouth A – another challenging match.

Madeira ladies enjoyed a three-rink fixture at home against Honiton – the closest of games which Honiton won by 1 shot – 48 shots to 47. Angie Fish and her team of Margaret Mahon, Ann Doidge and Annette Bister had the only winning rink for Madeira with their victory of plus eight shots but all games were well fought.

There was another close friendly against a mixed team from Bovey Tracey. This time, the home team won by 47 shots to 45 and on two of the three rinks. Jean Rainton playing with John Bellamy, Joan Cowing and Geoff Furminger achieved the best shot difference of plus seven for Madeira.

And finally, it was good to welcome three mixed triples teams for Feniton. The game was much enjoyed by all, although the home team had strong wins of all games and overall by 62 shots to 30. This time, Joan Mansell playing with Gary Kinchin and Chris Reed, came out top with a plus 12 win.