WELL there it is, another outdoor bowls season has come to an end and all in all, Newton Abbot Bowls Club had a pretty good year.

Obviously, top of the achievements has to be the men's A Team with the help of several B Team players filling in, winning the MDL Premier League for the first time in 39 years with only one defeat all season- it was well deserved.

The ladies finished 2nd in the SDL League to a very strong Kings Ladies Team so well done to those ladies involved as well.

Visiting, touring teams have provided the club with some very good feedback and many said that they would like to come down again which is a credit to everybody involved in these occasions.

ON September 18, Ken Howard/Phil Underhill and Alan Mann played at Bitton Park in a county friendly then on the 20th, Catherine Pickett and Dave Pickett played again at Bitton Park in the Annual County Ladies vs Men's which was followed by a very nice meal.

The season concluded with an internal match that saw around 40 people take part, followed afterward by a sit-down buffet provided by the members taking part. The green has improved over the last couple of seasons and so thanks also goes out to the dedicated team who look after it and now the season is over, within the next few days, the work will begin to make sure it is up to speed for next year.

Thanks go out to those who have helped with the bar and tea duties- lots of work goes on behind the scenes and without these members, the club wouldn’t be operate in the way that it does.

Press Officer David Pickett was asked for his thoughts on the season, about the good and bad side of bowls not just at their Club but on his travels too. “I already mentioned the good at the start but have noticed, when playing on occasions that the etiquette at some places leave a lot to be desired.

“What has reared its head a few times this season is the excuses people make after losing games. Why people can’t just lose gracefully if they have been out bowled is beyond me and some comments made on the green frankly have no place in bowls but I suppose in the real world, it is what it is.”

The winter will carry on with Short Mat at the club and a few of members play friendlies at those clubs that have an indoor rink.