It’s been a quieter week at Madeira but there is nonetheless some really good news about the men’s external competitions, both individually and for the representative teams.

The Over 60s Section 3 Semi Final and Final were held at Madeira on Sunday. Madeira had two men still standing.

Madeira’s Ron Cook played in the Semi Final and must have been disappointed to narrowly lose to Leighton Burston (Ottery St Mary). Ken Roberts (also Madeira) played Andrew Lowe (Sidmouth) and won 21-20 to reach the Final against Leighton Burston, which he was delighted to win by 21-19.

All excellent games won by the narrowest of margins. Ken now goes through to the Quarter Final away to Section Six to be played by September 3. The players thank the organisers and markers for giving their time on the day.

Team Manager Terry Reardon is delighted with the progress of the men’s representative teams this year. They won the Section 3 final of the Top Club against Feniton last Thursday by 3 disciplines to 2 with some excellent performances.

They now go on to playing a strong Torquay Kings side on August 6. Before then, on July 31, they will be up against Kings again in the Q/F of the County Trophy. Good luck to them all.

For the ladies, the annual Grace Mathews Triples competition was scuppered by the intense heat last Monday. However, all those who would have taken part enjoyed the traditional cream tea in remembrance of Grace, this year organised by Joan Mansell who baked the most delicious scones.

There has been plenty of bowling going on with those still in club competitions playing their final rounds towards hopefully the finals over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

On Friday, four mixed rinks enjoyed an away friendly fixture against Tiverton. The home team won by just 3 shots (53-56) – a very close encounter helped by a strong win by Ken Roberts playing with Lawrie Humphries (in his first game for Madeira), Maureen Willis and Brian Poulter of plus 11 shots. Madeira narrowly lost on the three other rinks.