We just knew it was going to be a long frustrating night when the first wood we bowled only reached halfway on the dank heavy almost sponge-like green at Ottery St Mary in the Foxlands competition.
Not one of the Axminster team managed much better than halfway in the two practice ends and, except for the occasional well-launched wood slung in desperation and hope things didn’t improve.
Lead bowler of Ottery, Andy Mann put up very long jacks to which his team proceeded to not only reach with ease but to closely surround enough times to score a decisive 41- 6 landslide.
When, after eight ends, we finally got on the scoreboard and celebrated with cheers, the Ottery players joined. Strangely enough, we all kind of enjoyed the game due to the good-natured banter and encouragement of the opposition four.
The Axminster home team of this two-venue match of Bob Sherborne David Harris, Jack Hare, and Alan Gyngell fared much better with the advantage playing on their all-weather surface, winning comfortably 25-8, giving overall victory to the very nice chaps from Ottery St Mary 49-31.
On Saturday, Axminster hosted visitors Bridport in a friendly of three rinks played in glorious sunshine, winning on two rinks and overall by 58-45.
Top rink honours once again went to Ken Taylor, Anne Clayton, Steady Eddie Backhouse, and Dave Yardley with another fine after-tea surge to come out 29-11 victors.
Getting used to greeting visiting bowlers with an elbow nudge or fist push and having tea time outside the clubhouse has become the new normal but it does not seem to diminish the warm good spirit in which the game is played with plenty of laughs and banter being in evidence throughout the whole match,
Bowls can be a lot of fun and not just for ‘oldies’, any age can play, anyone can very quickly learn the basics and get hooked.
If you fancy a try, please give us a ring on 01297 631033 (not always manned) or Glen Elliott on 07933 517591 and we will be very happy to arrange an hour taster.