The bowls season is now well underway and bowlers from across the region are loving the glorious spring sunshine.

Madeira took full advantage of the fabulous conditions by heading to Topsham for a six-rink friendly match on Monday, May 15. In a see-saw battle, both sides claimed some success with Topsham out-scoring Exmouth overall by five points, while Madeira won the rinks three to two, with one rink tied. Honours even! Top rink for Exmouth comprised Chris Reed, Tony Howle, Carol Worth and Bob Walker.

In the Ladies National Top Club, Jan Roberts captained a determined Madeira line-up to victory over Sidmouth. Each team won two of the four disciplines but the Exmouth bowlers ran out winners by virtue of the better overall shot score. Madeira will now meet Topsham in the second round.

Meanwhile, after bowling for Bowls Devon against Bowls Cornwall, Madeira’s Andy Lock was presented with his Devon County Badge by Bill Smith, Men’s Senior Vice President. A fabulous achievement for Andy and fully deserved for a dedicated bowler.

Then, Madeira ‘A’ also faced Sidmouth in the Tony Allcock Trophy (Over 60’ Mixed Two Fours). The contest was evenly matched with each side winning on one rink, but once again, the overall shot difference was in Madeira’s favour and they now advance to the next round. Exmouth’s winning rink was the four skipped by Sue Harriott with Cliff Skinner, Jan and Ken Roberts.

The men played two National double rink games at Madeira, both against Crediton. The “A” team lost 16-46 against two rinks skipped by England players, while the “B” team were just edged out 28-29.

In the National Mixed double rinks, Madeira lost to Topsham 25-40 but won against Sidmouth 34 - 23. This was followed by the Ladies Interclub Round 1, in which both Madeira “A” and “B” lost against United Services and Chudleigh respectively.

Competitive bowls is flourishing in East Devon and Madeira continue to be at the heart of some of the best performances.

Finally, Madeira continued their rivalry with Sidmouth in a five-rink mixed friendly. Despite a stellar 20 - 12 win on the rink skipped by Geoff Furminger with Alan Halpin, Margaret Humphrey, and Clive Brinkworth, Sidmouth romped to victory 58 - 99.