Top billing at Madeira Bowls Club this week goes to Devon at the Bowls England National Championships as they went all the way to win the Johns Trophy, played at Royal Leamington Spa. 

With Madeira’s former Commonwealth and England bowler Sue Harriott featuring prominently, they overcame Essex 123-117 in a tight semi-final.

Then in the final against Surrey they took a good early lead and stayed in front, despite comeback efforts by their opponents, to win 116-110. A job well done!

Sue will not be resting on her laurels however, as she will feature in the final of no less than four women’s competitions at Madeira on August 26/27th.

Will she continue her dominance of Madeira women’s bowls or will there be a dark horse opponent waiting to cause an upset? Either way, spectators will be treated to some top quality bowling over the week-end.

Meantime, on Tuesday, in a four rink friendly against Ottery St. Mary, a close fought contest saw honours even as far as rinks were concerned, with the teams winning on two each.

However, on the overall scoreboard where it counted, it was a win for Ottery by 54 - 51. Best of the Madeira fours was Christine Macauley, Jude Latta, Joan Brinkworth and skip Keith Bister who hit peak form on the final four ends to win 14-9.

On Thursday Phear Park rapidly became “Fear Park” for the four Madeira triples who faced their local rivals.

Dual registered, Keith and Annette Bister donned their Phear Park shirts for the day and it proved to be a wise choice.

Winning on three rinks and only losing on the fourth on the final end, was enough to give Phear Park a clear cut victory overall by 68 - 48. 

Madeira’s whitewash blushes were narrowly spared  courtesy of a final end victory 16-15 by Chris Trayler, Mike Ball and skip Jenny Smith.

Finally, on Friday, Madeira’s prospects were looking bright as they jumped into a first half lead against Dawlish Marina, but then British summertime struck.  Storm Betty breezed into Exmouth halting proceedings after twelve ends, just as the triple of Richard Taylor, Kate Lee-Smith and skip Lin Hambly seemed destined for glory.

Play abandoned with the score at Madeira 44 Dawlish 34.

After a friendly against Topsham early this week all eyes will turn to Finals Weekend at Madeira on 26th and 27th August.

Fourteen finals will be decided in both Men’s and Women’s competitions. The bar will be open and spectators will be welcome for what should be some top class bowls.