There have been quite a few friendly fixtures played recently against local teams but the highlight this week was the Madeira Men’s invitation match for the Coronation Cup.
Numbers playing this year were restricted by Covid issues but teams representing Budleigh Salterton, Exonia, Phear Park, Sidmouth and Topsham joined Madeira to compete for this fine old trophy.
This Madeira Men's Invitational competition was inaugurated in 1937 to celebrate the coronation of King George VI and, apart from a handful of occasions, has been fought for virtually every year since. This year Topsham prevailed after a close tussle with Sidmouth.
The friendly fixtures had mixed results but were much enjoyed. Madeira travelled to Dawlish Marina and returned with an 83-73 win, thanks largely to a huge shot difference 26-4 achieved by Captain Brian Poulter and Chris Reed, skipped by Lin Halpin.
It was downhill all the way playing at Ottery St Mary. Despite some very close games, Madeira eventually lost all five rinks and returned to Exmouth with a 71-118 defeat.
Madeira welcomed Bitton Park, Teignmouth, with five triples. The games finished equally with each club winning two triples and the fifth was tied. However, it’s shots that count and the points score resulted in a 77-84 loss for the home team. Again, the best result for Madeira was achieved by Captain Brian Poulter and Carole Worth, skipped by Jackie Howle- they triumphed with 21-11.
And finally, good news just in, Graham Clarkson and David Mansell are now the Bowls Devon Men’s Unbadged Pairs Champions having beaten a Brixham team in the final at Culm Vale on Saturday.
The Madeira Bowling Club was honoured to welcome Gordon Short to the club, a remarkable man in his 100th year. He has lived all his life in Burrington and is one of a handful of Burma Star Veterans. He was a Captain at the end of the war.
Gordon has played bowls all over the world and is currently a member of the South Moulton Bowling Club. Gordon’s son, Graham, challenged him to play 100 ends of bowls to mark his centenary, and in doing so raise funds for the Devon Air Ambulance. Madeira members were pleased to support his fund raising with £160 collected on the day.