The Madeira Bowling Club showcased a remarkable opening round of the Friendship Pairs competition this year, where 20 pairs of mixed-experience members participated.
This self-selected pairs tournament was initially planned for 2023, but adverse weather led to its cancellation.
The game was contested on a round-robin basis comprising three games of six ends.
However, the 2024 iteration went off without a hitch, seeing Danny Doran and Brian Poulter emerge victorious with a marginally better shot difference than runners-up Gary Kinchin and Paul Morgan, on August 10.
In a fascinating closing bout during the East of Exe league match on August 11, a Madeira rink against Wellington BC put up an impressive show.
The team led by Skip Keith Bister, along with Clive Dalton, Steve Bennett, and Annette Bister, needed eight shots to draw with their opponents in the final end.
Let alone achieving that goal, they managed to clinch the maximum score in one end, a feat hailed as a Hot Shot in the bowling clan.
Although their performance elevated the overall Madeira total, the Wellington club triumphed to return to Somerset as the victors.
In the men’s Bowls Devon Foxlands Trophy competition, the Madeira team demonstrated their prowess by previously topping Section 3.
When they reached the Quarter Finals for a face-off against Plymouth Sir Francis Drake, it was a nail-biting match.
The away team had victors Ken Roberts, David Tucker, Ray Parker and Bob Walker, while the home team suffered a marginal loss, handing Plymouth an overall win by a single shot.
Moving to the encounters with Ottery St Mary BC, the Madeira team hoped for a turn of events as their initial competition in May had been commandeered by Ottery.
By tea Madeira had chalked up a + 16 shot advantage.
Despite threatening skies on August 13, Madeira celebrated their triumph by 67 shots to 60.
The gathering storm didn't deter the prowess of the top rink headed by Jacky Howle alongside Chris Fox, John Sweetman, and repeat champion, Danny Doran, who bagged victory with a +10 shot score.
In the Exeter & District Ladies Triples League on August 14, the Madeira teams travelled to Bradninch for their eighth league game of the season.
The members, including Lin Hambly, Susie Roughton, Carolyn Parker and Jude Latta, Joan Cowing, and Ann Maloney, didn't let the scenic views distract them.
Both teams claimed victory by 8 shots, securing all six points, with just four more matches left in the tournament.
The Madeira Bowling Club promises an interesting forthcoming series of matches for enthusiasts of the game, with members geared up to maintain their winning streak and showcase their bowling proficiency.
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