Hosts Budleigh score highest in the Victory Cup

The visiting teams each played five teams from Budleigh in a Round Robin Triples competition and, after 15 ends of entertaining bowls, the winning visitors were the players from Ottery - Tony Bushell, Ryan Seers and Mike Kelsey – who achieved an aggregate score of + 10 shots.

Whilst this was an impressive score, the Victory Cup was won by the Budleigh team of Nick Jones, Andy Skudder and Brian Ward, who produced an aggregate score of + 21 shots.

Budleigh captain Tony Mackness commented: “It is always great to welcome visiting bowlers to the Club and it is these competitive but friendly matches that make the sport so enjoyable.”

Budleigh then hosted a mixed touring team, made up of members from three clubs in the Southampton area.

The team was on a tour of Devon and played friendly games at Seaton, Budleigh and Ottery. In all, 28 bowlers arrived at Budleigh, accompanied by 5 non-playing partners. Budleigh put out six mixed teams of 24 players, led by Mo Bond, the Ladies Captain of the month.

The match consisted of 18 ends and after nine ends and a break for refreshments, the match was heading for a draw. At this point, four members of the visiting team were rested so that all their 28 players were able to enjoy the game.

After the break, the Southampton players got the measure of the Green and went on to win overall by 94 - 91.

Tony said: "It was a pleasure to host a most enjoyable afternoon of bowls in perfect conditions, and we look forward to welcoming the team for a return visit in 2023."

Five Reasons to Play Bowls

Bowls will help improve your fitness levels and mental wellbeing.

Bowls is not expensive.

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Age and gender differences have less of an effect on a game of bowls.

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The Ottery Team (Image: BSBC)