​​The Budleigh Beavers travelled to Honiton for their last match in the Wednesday Exeter and District Over 60's Triples League in search of maximum points to keep their promotion hopes alive and they achieved seven of the eight points available with a fine 41-36 overall victory.

Robin Grenyer, Brian Ward and skip Terry Flynn secured a vital 22-17 win with the help of a five shots on the sixteenth end.
Ted Shanahan, Les Gay and Bryan Membery drew their rink 19-19 with the Beavers registering the rink draw with the last bowl of the match.
With two teams still to finish their fixtures next week it will be a waiting game to see if promotion is achieved but this win at Honiton has given the Beavers a great chance.

The Budleigh Otters visit to Axminster in Division 2 sadly did not go to plan as they were defeated on the infamous Axminster outdoor carpet where only one team have won there all season. The Otters practiced the night before on the indoor facility at Budleigh but were no real match on the day. 
Peter Foreman, Norman Upchurch and skip David Roberts contained the home side in the first few ends but eventually lost by eight shots. Paul Griffin, Mike James and Andy Cardy similarly struggled to master the rink and lost out 23-10.
With one match left there is still an outside chance of securing second place and promotion but it will mean that the Otters will need to take all eight points at home against top of the league Tiverton and hope Seaton and Axminster falter in their away matches.

​Consecutive wins for the Budleigh Otters in the Exeter and District Over 60s Triples League has given them a fighting chance of promotion from Division 3.
In a rearranged match away to Cullompton on Tuesday the team came away with seven points. Peter Evans, Paul Griffin and David Roberts took charge early on and despite a late fight back from the home team ran out worthy winners 19-13.
Mike James, Peter Cooper and Andy Cardy were under pressure throughout but held their nerve to snatch a commendable draw 14-14.
A visit to Exeter St Thomas the following day saw the Otters once again in great form. Peter Foreman, Bryan Membery and Peter Cooper were dominant throughout and secured a 19-8 win. On the other rink Peter Evans, Norman Upchurch and David Roberts were 9-1 down after eight ends and their prospects of a rink win looked doubtful. But in a game of two halves they dug deep to reduce the deficit and registered fourteen shots in the last nine ends to take the game 18-11 and an overall eight points.
Attention now turns to a crucial visit to a Axminster who are flying high in the division whilst the Budleigh Beavers play their last match at Honiton with a great chance of securing promotion from Division 8.

Budleigh is on the up! Honiton invitation ladies triples today. 6 home teams against 6 visiting teams and our ladies won on plus 8. Well done Marilyn, Penny and Melissa
A busy weekend for our players.

​Budleigh were one of several visiting clubs competing for the Coronation Cup at Madeira yesterday The competition took the form of 5 games of 4 ends against the host clubs teams. The foursome of Andy Skudder, Roy Ardiss, Brian Ward and Bryan Membery did well to end the afternoon with a score of plus 11 (22 - 11) after 20 ends. resulting in a second place finish out of the 10 competing clubs. 
A good afternoon bowling with Madeira providing a cream tea half way through and a cold beer at the end of the day.

​Both the Budleigh Otters and Beavers were involved in important matches in the Exeter and District Triples League, the results of which would determine if their promotion hopes would stay alive.
The Beavers travelled to top of the table South Molton on a red hot day not over confident in getting a result. But what a performance it was as they made the long trip home with six important points in the bag.
Robin Grenyer, Andy Skudder and skip Brian Ward pulled off an impressive 22-9 victory whilst Ted Shanahan, Les Gay and Bryan Membery fought a close contest and whilst losing their rink by five shots did enough for the team to win the overall match.
With just one match left to play for the Beavers against Honiton a win would certainly give them a chance to finish in the top two of division 8.
The Otters suffered a disappointing loss to Marina last week but bounced back with a fine win over Sidmouth. Peter Evans, Andy Cardy and David Roberts were always in control and surged to a 27-12 victory. On the other rink Paul Griffin, Mike James and Peter Cooper played well and were in contention until the last few ends when the visitors picked up the pace and ran out 18-9 winners. Nevertheless the overall result saw the Otters complete a welcome victory which keeps them in the hunt for promotion.
Next up for the Otters is a home match against local rivals Madeira.

​It was our turn to host teams from the other local clubs this afternoon for our annual Victory Cup.  Teams from Ottery, Sidmouth, Exonia, Phear Park, Honiton and Madeira accepted our invitation.  However, Honiton pulled out due to their players  contracting Covid and only one player from Madeira turned up, without his teammates, much to his disappointment. It is a mystery as to where the others were.  A Budleigh ladies team were brought in to make up the numbers for the round robin. It was an enjoyable,  competitive afternoon. The showers were not enough to stop play. At close of proceedings we all waited anxiously to hear the winners being announced by our Captain, Tony, while we enjoyed a delicious cream tea and cakes from the Shaldon Bakery in Budleigh.  We had held the Victory cup for the last two years, but it was taken away this year by the Ottery team, pictured below, who had a significant victory. Well done.
Well done to the team of three Budleigh ladies, Jackey, Evelyn and Angela as they got the highest score of the Budleigh teams. Their exuberant enthusiasm was evident all through the afternoon!​

With both the Budleigh Beavers and the Otters involved in important mid season matches in the Exeter & District Over 60s Triples League there was an expectation that wins for both teams would be possible.
The Beavers away to Ottery Eagles delivered in fine style with an overall away win 34-23.
Andy Skudder, Brian Ward and skip Terry Flynn won comfortably 19-10 whilst Ted Shanahan, Roy Ardiss and skip Bryan Membery secured their win on the last end 15-13 to secure a welcome eight points.
This win puts the Beavers in second place in their division.

​The Otters with two regular players unavailable were looking for an overall win to keep their promotion hopes in tact but in another close tussle against Cullompton at home it was not to be as the visitors took home six points with an overall 34-31 victory. Andy Cardy skipping Paul Griffin and Peter Evans won their rink 19-16 whilst Norman Upchurch, Gordon Marshall and Peter Cooper lost out 12-18.
The Otters still remain in the top half of the division with a game in hand on their nearest rivals but if they are serious in getting back to division 2 at the first attempt they need to now go on a winning run.​

​Four of us took part in the Howard Cottrell Competition yesterday at Honiton. It was a round robin, with teams from Budleigh, Ottery, Lyme Regis, Madeira and Sidmouth playing rinks against five home teams, proudly attired in their new club shirts. It was a warm and sunny afternoon, we were served sandwiches and cake mid way through and drinks from the bar after the match. All this in a wonderful, friendly, jovial atmosphere. One of the home teams won the cup with a score of plus 16. No other scores were broadcast, so in our minds we can believe we were runners up!  A very enjoyable afternoon and thanks go to Honiton for the invitation. It’s always a pleasure to visit their club.

​Mixed Results for Budleigh Otters and Beavers in the Exeter & District Over 60s Triples League.
The Budleigh Otters travelled to local rivals Phear Park seeking revenge for the loss they suffered at home earlier in the season. That match was decided by one shot and this return match developed into a similar tight contest.
Paul Griffin, Andy Cardy and skip David Roberts took control midway through the match with a seven shot lead only for their opponents to fight back to within one shot with three ends to go. But a strong finish by the Budleigh trio saw them run out 20-15 winners.
With the other rink of Norman Upchurch, Gordon Marshall and Peter Cooper still playing and losing by five shots with two ends to go the outcome of this overall match was very much in the balance. Phear Park took the overall lead on end seventeen but a great final end with three shots to Budleigh clinched the overall win by two and six valuable points.
Budleigh Beavers were involved in a similar tight tussle and put in a great effort in their match at Hemyock but just lost out overall by two shots 32-34.

On a cold summer’s evening at the Budleigh home of bowls there was an air of excitement as the home team played their semi final match against Sidmouth buoyed by two fine earlier round wins.
Five disciplines played on five rinks simultaneously with the first few ends painting a positive position for Sidmouth but as the evening progressed there was optimism in the home camp as the Triples and Pairs went in front and the two singles matches became very close.
All interest pointed to the 4 wood and 2 wood singles as it was clear that victory in one of these disciplines would tilt the balance in Budleigh’s favour and with the Pairs and Triples still ahead there was hope.
Paul Griffin was valiantly fighting back in the 2 wood but just lost out 11-13 whilst Peter Evans was making an incredible recovery from 9-18 down to lead 20-19 only to be pipped at the last end 20-21. What a performance against a great Sidmouth bowler Ken Wheeler.
The Pairs of Andy Cardy and David Roberts won the Pairs 17-13 and the Triples of Ted Shanahan, Brian Ward and skip Peter Cooper also won their match by two shots but with the 2 wood fours unable to match the dominance of the Sidmouth team it was the visitors who narrowly took the tie 3-2.
A great night and whilst there was disappointment not to reach the final the club must reflect positively on the progress made in this competition.
A big thank you to all the players who took part and once again to Melissa Camp and Evelyn Crook for acting as markers.
Congratulations to Sidmouth who progress to the final against Ottery St Mary.

​Budleigh are through to the semi finals of the Top Club competition after two excellent victories in the earlier rounds over the last two weeks.
Top Club is a challenging competition involving five different games all played at the same time involving eleven players from each side.
At Phear Park there was a 3-2 victory with a win for Andy Cardy in the 4 wood, Paul Griffin in the 2 wood and Norman Upchurch, Peter Foreman and Brian Ward in the Triples.
Thursday of this week saw a home tie against Feniton and once again there was a 3-2 win for Budleigh. Paul Griffin once again won his 2 wood match whilst Norman Upchurch and David Roberts secured the Pairs win. The final match to finish was the Triples and Ted Shanahan, Brian Ward and skip Peter Cooper held their nerve to round off an important evening in the progress of the home team and the Club.
There was a comical interlude in the proceedings which were briefly interrupted when a water sprinkler burst into life early in the evening and whilst there was initial panic as players ran for cover all was well when club members found the fuse box and deactivated the system.
Certainly a candidate for Harry Hill’s - You’ve Been Framed!!!!!

A big thank you to Melissa Camp and Evelyn Crook for marking duties in the Feniton match.

Budleigh will now be home to either Chardstock or Sidmouth in the semi final next Thursday 4th July 6.15 start.

Penny Weeks and Melissa Camp played in the Devon Bowls Section 3 ladies unbadged pairs at Feniton, against a pair from Sidmouth. At 18 ends the match was a draw at 15-15, but unfortunately the Budleigh pair went 2 down in the decider, losing the game 17-15.  
Penny reported that it was a good, equal match and she was pleased that they did so well.
Well done to both of them.

In the Spears Trophy yesterday at Sidmouth, our Budleigh ladies were delighted to be runners up to the winners, which was a Sidmouth team!  They had a +12 score, beating all the visiting teams from Madeira, Seaton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary and Exonia.  It was a lovely afternoon, with a delicious tea served at half time.  Very well done to Marilyn, Evelyn and Ann.

Taking advantage of a home match in the Exeter and District Over 60's Triples League is key to success in this competitive competition and the latest encounter for the Budleigh Otters saw Exeter St. Thomas visit the club.
Paul Griffin, Andy Cardy and skip David Roberts were all square after three ends and it looked to be a close match in the making only for the Budleigh team to register seven shots on end four to take a 9-2 lead. Whilst St Thomas tried hard to get back into the game the home team stayed strong and ran out 20-12 winners.
The aggregate score between both triples teams will always decide which club wins the game and Peter Foreman, Norman Upchurch and skip Peter Cooper were going well until the eleventh end when out of the blue they dropped six shots to go 13-14 down.
That became a deficit of 15-21 going into the last end. With the overall score standing at plus two to Budleigh all eyes were on the finish as the St Thomas triple held three shots with one shot to play for the Budleigh skip. 
And what a bowl it was as Peter Cooper kept his nerve to deliver a superb shot and take the end to ensure the overall win was secured and six points were in the bag. A hard earned  victory and one that keeps the Otters vying for top spot in Division 3.

​Today Budleigh sent a team of three to Phear Park for the Axon Cup, where the home team played five other local clubs to compete for the prestigious trophy. 
It was a hard fought battle but we held our heads up high and secured the runners up position, a great improvement on recent years.
We won three out of four matches but narrowly lost to Topsham on shots scored. An enjoyable afternoon, with bonus of a cream tea.

​The Budleigh Otters continued their good form with a great win and maximum points away to Madeira Exmouth in the Exeter and District Over 60s Triples League, consolidating their top spot in Division 3.
Always a challenging task visiting the Madeira venue there were great wins for both Triple teams.
Peter Foreman, Norman Upchurch and skipper Peter Cooper started well and with the Madeira team fighting back midway through, the Budleigh team needed to dig deep and so they did running out comfortable 21-13 winners.
On the other rink Paul Griffin, Brian Ward and David Roberts hit the ground running and after only eight ends found themselves 13-1 ahead. The result was never in doubt and a 21-10 finish resulted in an overall victory 42-23.
With two home matches coming up for the Otters they will look to consolidate their top position. They play Exeter St Thomas next, followed by Axminster.

​A successful Wednesday afternoon saw overall wins for both the Otters and the Beavers in the Exeter & District Over 60s Triples League.
The Otters travelled to Sidmouth with a mission to win the match and seek revenge given that last season they had come away without any points having been in control for most of the match. And so it was as Paul Griffin, Andy Cardy and David Roberts swept to a 23-13 win picking up three 5 shot ends on their way to victory.
On the other rink Peter Foreman, Norman Upchurch and Peter Cooper played a tightly contested match and ran out 17-14 winners.
With a game in hand and another 8 points in the bag, this puts the Otters close to top spot in Division 3.
The Beavers took a welcome 6 points in a home match against South Molton.
Ted Shanahan, Brian Ward and Terry Flynn did the damage early on taking control and registering an impressive 24-15 win. Andy Skudder, Les Gay and Ralph Cartwright were looking good going into the last few ends but South Molton denied them victory with a 16-14 win. Nevertheless a great effort by the home rinks.
The Otters travel to Maderia for their next fixture whilst the Beavers have a week off.

Well done to Devon County Section 3 Mixed Pairs first round winners Penny Weeks and Andrew Cardy from Budleigh. A well fought match against Gerard McCarthy and Carol Keating from Ottery. The final score was 27-7 in an afternoon threatened with heavy showers.

​Budleigh Otters achieved their second win of the season in the Over 60 Triples league taking all 8 points against Marina (Dawlish) as they tried to dodge the heavy showers on Wednesday.
Terry Flynn, Andy Cardy and David Roberts kept their cool to finish strongly whilst Peter Foreman, Norman Upchurch and Peter Cooper were unable to complete the last end due to a heavy downpour but ran out winners to keep the Otters in contention at the top of division 3.

A challenging match in the Foxlands Trophy against Madeira saw the away team of Norman Upchurch, Les Gay, Andy Cardy and David Roberts come away with a very creditable draw 19-19. Our home team of Andy Skudder, Peter Foreman, Terry Flynn and Peter Cooper kept in touch with their opponents early on but an experienced Madeira team pulled away in the second half of the match to win 22-10.

​A great effort all round from the Budleigh team.

​Budleigh Beavers got their Exeter and District Triples League season started with a fine overall home win against Hemyock 34-23. Andy Skudder, Les Gay and Bryan Membery were always in charge with an impressive 22-9 win whilst Ted Shanahan, Brian Ward and Terry Flynn fought a close match just losing out 12-14.
The Budleigh Otters played local rivals Phear Park with a close encounter on both rinks. Paul Griffin, Andy Cardy and David Roberts held their nerve to run out 21-19 winners whilst Martin Creed, Norman Upchurch and Peter Cooper lost 15-18.
The Otters sit second in division 3 and travel to top of the league Cullompton in their next match whilst the Beavers host Ottery Eagles.