CREDITON Bowling Club ladies team of Helen Ellis, Amy Bond, Liz Smerdon and Nikki Payne recently won their rain delayed National Fours County Final at Paignton against Uffculme.

The Crediton team have now qualified to play in the National Finals to be played at Leamington Spa.

Hopefully this is the first of many combinations that could be making a trip to the National Finals as there is still a lot to be played for.

LADIES

Liz Smerdon has reached the County Final in the National Champion of Champions and is one win away from a Leamington Spa spot.

Liz Smerdon and Joan Martin have reached the County Final of the National Over 55's Pairs and are also one win away from a Leamington Spa spot.

Jackie Hemmings-Anthony is in the County Semi-Final of the National Over 55’s Singles competition and faces an opponent from Bradworthy.

Liz Smerdon, Joan Martin, Jackie Hemmings-Anthony and Mary Abbott have reached the county last 16 of the National Senior Fours and were due to face a quartet from Newton Abbott at Exonia on Tuesday, July 11.

Helen Ellis and Jackie Hemmings-Anthony won through to the county last 16 of the National two-wood competition played on Sunday, July 9 at Paignton Bowls Club but unfortunately were beaten on the day.

Liz Smerdon has progressed to the county last 16 in the National Singles to be played at Madeira on Saturday, July 15.

Nikki Payne and Helen Ellis play in the county last 16 of the National Pairs to be played at Abbrook Park on Sunday, July 23.

Mary Abbott, Sue Grigg and Maggie Chaplin play in the county last 16 of the National Triples and play on Sunday, July 16, at Crediton v Kings.

Anne Sullivan has qualified through to the last 16 of the County Unbadged Singles to be played at Culm Vale on Sunday, August 27.

Crediton ladies are through to the Grace Matthews Top Club county quarter final to be played on August 9.

MEN

Crediton won through to the National Top Club Area Final but were beaten by Shaldon. Gary Morphet and Rich Ellis and Gary Ayley and Rob Paxton have won through to the county last 16 in the National Pairs to be played on Saturday, July 15 at Bitton Park and Torquay respectively starting at 10am.

Gary Ayley, Gary Morphet and Rob Paxton have reached the National Triples last 16 to be played at Culm Vale.

Mark Theedom, Rich Ellis, Allan Gibb and Rich Gunn are in the last 16 of the National Fours played at Madeira on Sunday, July 23 at 10am.

Ed Tucker, Pete Sheppard and Rich Ellis have reached the section final of the Unbadged Triples. Crediton Men have reached the quarter finals of the County Trophy and play at 10am on Sunday, August 6 at Culm Vale.

So, as can be seen, there is the potential for much success this season showing the strength in depth that Crediton Bowling Club is enjoying at the present time.

The Men’s Over 60s League results were Crediton A 8, Uffculme A 0 and the side remains in second place.

The B team stay in fourth place despite an 8-0 defeat at the hands of St Thomas C. Division Six continues to be a topsy turvy affair for the C team as they returned to fourth place after a 6-2 victory at Chagford.

I said in last week’s article that the friendly side would have a quick chance to avenge the away defeat to Barnstaple United Services.

Having lost by 16 shots in Barnstaple there was a great turnaround with Crediton coming out victorious by 95 shots to 74. This was then followed up the following day with a six shot victory away to Barnstaple Rock Park. All-in-all a very rewarding weekend.

As you can read the standard of bowls is one of the highest in the County so rest assured when watching in Newcombes that you are watching some of the best in Devon.

This weeks fixtures:

Thursday, July 13 - EDL A v Topsham A - 6.30pm

Thursday, July 13 - EDL B v Okehampton A - 6.30pm

Saturday, July 15 - Friendly v Bideford Strand - 2pm

Tuesday, July 18 - Crediton Ladies Green v Seaton Blue - 2pm

Wednesday, July 19 - Crediton Ladies Yellow v Honiton Lacemakers - 10.30am

Wednesday, July 19 - Over 60’s B v Chardstock A - 2.30pm

Wednesday, July 19 - Over 60’s C v Culm Vale C - 2.30pm.

Mike Canning