FIRSTLY, in the Women’s Major Championship 2 Wood Singles played at Paignton Bowls Club on Sunday July 28, Julia Barnes lost out in her opening game, whilst Isobel Burley won her first two games.

When Isobel was beaten, it was by the eventual winner on the day Sophia Tolchard, who goes on to Leamington as Devon’s qualifier. Well done to the girls for getting as far as they did and better luck next season.

In the SDL League, the ladies had two wins in the space of a week or so- kicking things off with an 8-2 victory away at Bitton Park before beating Abbrook Park by the same scoreline on home soil.

The Men's A-Team’s fantastic league form carried on with a 10-4 away win at Shaldon (who were incorrectly named last week- it should have instead said Starcross) and with three games to go, there is the very real chance of becoming league champions but you can’t take anything for granted.

Meanwhile, Dave Pickett recently played for Devon Men against Surrey at Yeovil and then, the following day, played against a Mixed Bowls Devon team for the club with a few of the players he had played with the day prior in opposition.

Dave then had the pleasure of playing for Devon Men at Babbacombe, against his former county, Royal Berkshire Men, who are on tour in Devon. It was nice for him to see some old faces that he hasn’t seen in around 13 years since moving down to Devon.

He was able to play against Royal Berkshire the very next day as well, having been invited by Dave Sutherby of Torbay Country Club who was a former teammate of at Wokingham. Whilst at The Country Club, Dave had the pleasure of meeting former Tottenham Hotspur player Eddie Clayton who played for Tottenham in the 1960s alongside the magnificent Jimmy Greaves, Cliff Jones and Jon White to name just a few.

Eddie came across as a pleasant guy and was happy to talk to Dave about his time at Tottenham- the team that Dave has supported since the early 70s. He may not have seen him play in the flesh but he is fully aware of who he was and it was a thrill for Eddie to give him his time to chat and take a picture.

Lastly, in a Triples competition played at Newton Abbot between the members, Isobel Burley, Bill Crilly and Paul Osborn won and advance through to finals weekend as a result, where they will play Ian Rice, Joy Medley and Steve Doyle.