THIS week's scheduled activities for Bovey Tracey Bowls Club were curtailed due to the adverse weather but fortunately, several matches did survive.
Bovey's ladies' team of Sue Johnson, Kath Callard and Heidi Call competed in the quarter-final of the County 2 Wood Triples at Ottery St Mary against Sidmouth but, disappointingly, they were narrowly beaten by 14 shots to 13 on the last end.
Bovey welcomed a coach touring party representing various clubs in the Humberside CBA on the brightest afternoon of the week. The rinks were shared two each but the visitors took the overall score by 72 shots to 59.
C Towle, D Bailey, S Callard and S Johnson 20-18; S Davies, J Richards, K Callard and K Breame 9-21; J Farley, A Franklin, C Shorland and H Call 14-12; L Brothwood, D Cosway, J Ridgewell and D Saunders 16-21.
A competition amongst the many new members who joined the club this season came down to a final over six ends between Alastair Franklin and Annette Isaacs who triumphed by 9 shots to 3 to win the newly designated Umbrella Cup.
This brings us along nicely to the finals weekend when just three of the planned matches were able to be played.
In the Mixed Drawn Pairs, Chris Towle and Dave Johnson were both on good form and proved too strong for Sue Davies and Steve Callard, winning by 26 shots to 12.
The Men's 4 Wood final pitched serial winner Phil Joy against Keith Lockett. Keith started slowly and despite mounting a fightback midway through, Phil continued to score well and in the end, was a worthy winner by 21 shots to 9.
The Men's Drawn Pairs final between Andy Walding & Phil Joy and Keith Lockett & Kenny Breame was played in constantly worsening conditions but the players were determined to play the match regardless. After conceding seven shots on one end in the early stages, Keith and Kenny fought back and later went into the lead only to lose by 20 shots to 18 on an extra end.
Well done to the hardy band of spectators who braved the conditions to give their support.
The remainder of the final matches will be rearranged at various times throughout this week and any more support for the players taking part will be hugely appreciated as always.