Matches against Madeira are always interesting occasions, as the smaller club looks to try and record a memorable win, a sporting truth that can be applied to all competitions.

When the Budleigh players stepped out on to the indoor green at Cricket Field Lane this week, they knew they had to be at their best against a talented Madeira team, writes David Roberts.

The two triples matches were played over sixteen ends and it was the Budleigh players who were on fine form, as they took the match with an excellent score of 36-17.

Bob Clifford, Simon Weclawek and skip Mo Bond raced into a dominant eight-shot lead after seven ends and, whilst Madeira tried to rally with some spirited bowling of their own, there was no way back, as the home team convincingly won 18-7.

On rink two, there was another good start from the trio of Tony Hanson, Marilyn Jackson and John Dill, who found themselves nine shots ahead after ten ends and went on close the match out with an 18-10 win.

The first round of the Triples League was played out on Wednesday and there was a convincing win for Team Willow, as Melissa Camp, Marilyn Jackson and skip John Dill dominated their match against Team Beech to win through 22-10.

Bob Clifford, Mo Bond and Simon Weclawek, representing Team Elm, were involved in a fascinating affair that brought all of the drama that can make bowls such an entertaining sport, as they fought back in the closing stages against Team Oak, registering four shots on the last two ends to take the win 16-13.

The U3A (University Of The Third Age) initiative masterminded by Tony Mackness has now moved indoors and thank you to the club helpers for continuing to make this a popular weekly event.

As the opportunity is taken to spruce up the club in these autumn months, a big thank you also to Ralph Cartwright and his team for their superb work on the grounds and to Norman Upchurch and his painting team for continuing the external painting of the Clubhouse.