This week saw the end of the 2021 outdoor bowling season at Madeira - a season marked by all sorts of challenges caused by the pandemic and the weather but most importantly members were able to get back to playing outdoors the sport they love and on greens which were superb.

The Madeira finals were played in two halves three weeks apart, the second half last weekend in glorious weather and on greens running trickily fast due to the dry conditions.

There have been some excellent games and several people have played in two or more finals this year, but Leighton Burston was stretched to play four over the two days, winning three of them. He is now the Madeira Men’s Champion 2021 having come from behind to reach 20 all and then go on to win the game against runner-up Kevin McLean – the most exciting game.

Leighton also won the two-wood singles against Nick Cole and the Axon Cup Handicap when the runner-up was Ken Roberts, but was the runner-up in the Men’s Pairs when playing with Ian Munro, their opponents Bob Walker and Geoff Furminger emerging the winners.

For the ladies, Sue Harriott in her third final of the season, won the Handicap against Joan Mansell. Joan had done well to reach two finals and playing with Ann Maloney, in her first final,

Sue was also runner-up to Carolyn Parker and Jude Latta in the Ladies Pairs - another close and exciting game 21 shots to 25. Debbie Cole and Gloria Taylor had also reached two finals, but Debbie won their exciting Madeira Cup final.

The Mixed Pairs competition was the last to be played with Lin Halpin and David Mansell up against Eileen Burston and Dave Moody. It was a game of two halves resulting in an exciting finish and a win by 18-15 to Burston and Moody. Over the weekend President Keith Weeks and past President and Captain Chris Fox presented the trophies and the event was smoothly run by Competition Secretaries Lin Halpin and Chris Reed.

Many bowlers have taken part in the Men’s Tuesday/Thursday Triples League and the Ladies Wednesday Triples. The winning team for the Men comprised Dave Atkinson, Keith Weeks, Dave Moody, Geoff Furminger, David Hitt and Ray Parker. For the Ladies, Team 2 won by 20 pts to Team 3’s 18 with Jenny Charles, Lin Halpin Sue Lampey, Ann Maloney, Heather Salter and Barbara Walker all playing their part.

The season ended last Monday with a drive for the Beckhart Cup. 32 members enjoyed the perfect conditions of an early autumn day for their last outdoor game. Lin Halpin skipped her team of Chris Fox, Gloria Taylor and Geoff Furminger won the cup – two teams had plus 7 shots by they won more ends.

And so to the indoor season. This starts on the 3rd October and Captains Glynis Byrn and Graham Cottey have been busy with their preparations for the season. There is already a highlight to look forward to. Jan Roberts, Catherine King and Janine Orchard are due to play in the EIBA 2020 ladies triples finals early in October at Nottingham. These finals were deferred due to the restrictions of the pandemic. Good luck to them - their fellow members wish them well.

Exmouth Journal: Beckhart Cup Winners Geoff Furminger, Skip Lin Halpin, Chris Fox and Gloria TaylorBeckhart Cup Winners Geoff Furminger, Skip Lin Halpin, Chris Fox and Gloria Taylor (Image: Madeira Bowls)

Exmouth Journal: Winner of the Madeira Cup, Debbie Cole (right) with r/u Gloria TaylorWinner of the Madeira Cup, Debbie Cole (right) with r/u Gloria Taylor (Image: Madeira Bowls)

Exmouth Journal: Sue Harriot (right) Winner of 2021 Ladies Handicap with Joan Mansell r/uSue Harriot (right) Winner of 2021 Ladies Handicap with Joan Mansell r/u (Image: Madeira Bowls)