EVERY December, before Christmas, Kingsteignton Bowling Club’s Over 55’s play a ‘Mince Pie Challenge’ against their opposite number from Shaldon Over 55’s, writes Rik Perfect.

The Mince Pie Challenge is always played at Kingsteington’s home and is always played in good humour with a Christmas spirit.

Mince pies with teas and coffees follow the bowling with the small trophy presented to the winners.

Kingsteignton captain, Bill Beech, said: ‘It was a lovely morning for the annual Mince Pie Challenge between Kingsteignton and Shaldon Over 55’s, a few days before Christmas.

‘Looking at the sky you would have thought it wasn’t mid-winter, although the coats were a giveaway.’

The Mince Pie ‘Massacre’ was very tight and went to the line with KBC ahead by two shots waiting on the last rink to finish. Kingsteignton were up until the last wood was played from the Shaldon skip, who turned it around and made it four shots to them, resulting in KBC losing by 2 shots overall.

It was great fun with plenty of banter.

There were excellent mince pies from one of the Shaldon ladies and a the club sends a big thank you to all that helped to set up and clear away, as well as the refreshments from the ladies.

So, well done all; a great session of bowls as it should be played. Roll on next year’s challenge.