It has been a quiet week for friendly fixtures at Madeira with the one expected game against St Thomas’s from Exeter deferred until later in the summer but there were some good results in County Competitions to report.

Sisters Nicky Fiddemore and Sue Harriott have done well in the County Major Ladies Pairs to win Group 3b for a place in the last 16, the SQF round to be played on July 11 at Abbrook Park, a delightful bowls club based in Kingsteignton on the outskirts of Newton Abbot.

Madeira won through three rounds against teams from Honiton, Sidmouth and again Honiton to reach this stage, producing some tremendous bowls against some of the best players on the East Devon circuit.

Congratulations also to Sue, who has been selected to play for Devon in the Johns Trophy team against Warwickshire on Saturday, June 18 at Olveston Bowls Club. The Johns Trophy is played over a format of six rinks of four players each playing 21 ends.

There is good news also from the men’s section. Martyn Eveleigh, Cliff Skinner and Bill Davis won the final of Group 3A Men’s Major Triples and will now play at South Molton in the last 16 qualifiers on July 10.

There was a very enjoyable finish to the week. On Sunday, and in perfect bowling weather, members enjoyed a drive for the Grove Trophy. The bowling was tricky with the greens running so fast due to the dry weather but the clear winners, with plus 21, were Angela Denner (in her first game this season) and her team of Chris Smith and Debbie Fox.

Captain of the Day Vic Doidge presented the winning team with their trophy and prizes of wine. All those playing enjoyed a cream tea half way through – a treat from Dee Norman and Jenny Smith.

Coaching is available at Madeira for new and prospective bowlers who wish to learn. Contact Chris Reed at chris@lattareed.net if you are interested and get involved in this fantastic sport of skill, accuracy and fun.