THE outdoor bowling season got off to a fine start at both Crediton and Morchard Bishop Bowling Clubs on Saturday, April 18.

At Crediton the first wood of the season was bowled by Robert Paxton, who was crowned Ambassador Cruise Line 2026 World Indoor Bowls Championships open singles champion in January.

Rob Paxton bowling the first wood of the season at Crediton Bowling Club. AQ 8492
Rob Paxton bowling the first wood of the season at Crediton Bowling Club. AQ 8492 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Rob plays indoors at the Estonia Club in Exeter and outdoors with Crediton Bowling Club.

A large crowd of members watched the proceedings and a “spider” and matches also took place before tea.

Crediton Bowling Club members before the start of the season with Mike Canning, chairman, president Stephen Wollacott and Rob Paxton. AQ 8485
Crediton Bowling Club members before the start of the season with Mike Canning, chairman, president Stephen Wollacott and Rob Paxton. AQ 8485 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Ready for the spider game at Crediton Bowling Club. AQ 8477
Ready for the spider game at Crediton Bowling Club. AQ 8477 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

At Morchard Bishop the club president Henry Cruwys bowled the first wood.

A “spider” also took place and matches also took place before tea.

Morchard Bishop Bowling Club members before the start of the season with, front centre, from left, chairman Derek Horn, president Henry Cruwys and vice-president Annie Robinson. AQ 8508
Morchard Bishop Bowling Club members before the start of the season with, front centre, from left, chairman Derek Horn, president Henry Cruwys and vice-president Annie Robinson. AQ 8508 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

David Estell and Anne Poole, left, were winners of the spider at Morchard Bishop, pictured with Stephen Leese, club captain, and right, president Henry Cruwys. AQ 8530
David Estell and Anne Poole, left, were winners of the spider at Morchard Bishop, pictured with Stephen Leese, club captain, and right, president Henry Cruwys. AQ 8530 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Both clubs welcome new members and details can be found on the Bowls Devon website at: https://www.bowlsdevon.co.uk .