Axminster bowlers have enjoyed a rather mixed period with some very tight matches, writes David Harris.

Both Over-60s Devon league outings ended in defeat. First up a trip to Bradninch ended in 36-30 reversal, this despite the efforts of John Ellis, Sid Milburn, and Job Sherborne (20-7).

A home meeting with North Tawton ended in a 37-32 defeat with the rink of Howard Keep, David Harris, and Tony Cable, managing a tie (20-20).

The men also narrowly lost their Foxlands match against Ottery, going down by just four shots and this despite the home rink of John Packham, George Mabon, David Harris, and Sid Millburn winning 18-11. The ladies enjoyed their home friendly match with Seaton, but suffered a narrow defeat (50-58), alas with no winners!

However, the club did fare better in mixed friendly matches, winning three of the four matches played.

First up visiting Phear Park were beaten 63-51 with wins for Frank Bridge, Barbara Mowatt, and David Harris (20-7), Norman Copland, Les Clark, and Bridget Hallowes (18-14), whilst Brad Hallowes, Margaret Brown, and Brian Clark tied (13-13).

Next up Lyme Regis were defeated 103-54 and here there were wins for; Phil White, John Packham,Ken Quick, and Ann Clayton (29-8), Morrison Brown, Margaret Stancliffe, Joan Quick and Bridgett Hallowes (29-17), Lou Harris, Margaret Brown, Brab Hallowe, and George Manon(24-8), whilst the rink of Daphne Ryan, Brenda Raistrick, Les Clark, and David Harris tied (21-21).

Visiting Staunton Deane were seen off to the tune of a 69-54 score line and here there were wins for; Morrison Brown, Steven Apsey, and Ann Clayton (28-9) and Margaret Stancliffe, Phil White and David Harris (14-13).

The final friendly of the period was at home to Wrington wo departed with an 80-71 success.

The home winners were the rink of Daphne Ryan, Phil White, Ken Quick, and Derek Pheby (21-20), whilst there was a 20-all tie for the rink of James Windsor, Brenda Raistrick, Joan Quick and Ann Clayton.