After the excitement of Finals Weekend, it was back to “friendly” competition this week, writes Terry Dowrick.

The temporary lull provided an opportunity to thank the local businesses who generously sponsor Madeira Bowling Club and display the new scoreboards which they have made possible.

Avon & Somerset Police arrived for a friendly match against Madeira and on Rink 6, Alan Halpin, Tony Howle, Sandy Cox and skip Joan Mansell sped away to an early lead. Despite a determined chase, they were able to outrun the long arm of the law, to steal a 21-11 victory.  But there the good news for Madeira ended.

The police promptly took custody of the other five rinks and any Madeira momentum was swiftly arrested, notwithstanding a strong defence being in evidence on Rink 5 from M. Humphrey, D. Veale, G. Medlock and skip L. Halpin who were narrowly defeated 11-12. 

Elsewhere, little resistance was detected, and the Law prevailed to win overall by a score of 104 -79. Madeira guilty as charged - bowling without conviction.

The week ended with a five rink men’s match against a touring Kent Past Presidents team. As the name implies, the team comprised former Presidents of County and Clubs throughout Kent.

Madeira searched in vain for their mojo, but notwithstanding a spirited challenge from Danny Doran, Duncan Allan, Martin Clook and skip Dave Moody, who lost 15-16, there was little to cheer.

Whether “Kentish Men” or “Men of Kent”, the visitors were equally adept, as they swept to a comprehensive five-rink victory by a score of 145 - 105.

In an after-match interview, when asked to comment on his team’s execution, Madeira’s captain replied that he was in favour of it.     

In a simultaneous two rink women’s match, some pride was restored, as Madeira won on both for a total victory 39 - 34. Madeira’s top rink on the day overall comprised Hilary Bird, Ann Maloney, Jude Latta and skip Mary Ann Dowrick, demonstrating that in Madeira bowls, as in nature, the female of the species may be deadlier than the male!

As the season winds down, there will be eight more outdoor friendly encounters, which will provide opportunities to blood new bowlers, before the greens close and the sport moves to indoor rinks for the winter.