THE sun shone during a recent weekend and club members were out in force to welcome both young and old when a Big Bowls Weekend was run at Crediton Bowling Club in conjunction with Bowls England.

Here was a chance for members of the public to try their hand at a target rink, a line and length rink, a children’s fun area or a coaching rink. Club members, Christine Marshall, Mark Theedom, Mary Abbott and Jill Ayris, who have Bowls Devon National coaching qualifications were on-hand throughout to give some tips or to encourage those interested to join a newly set up Junior Coaching Session.

Rob Paxton, ex World Indoor Bowling Champion, was one of those who went along, giving his son Celib some useful hints proving that you’re never too young to get involved.

It was pleasing to see that more than 25 people came back on the Sunday to try their hand again.

Further coaching sessions are being lined up and should anyone have missed this weekend but wishes to be kept in touch with what is planned, then contact Christine Marshall on 01363 772012.

The matches are now coming thick and fast and therefore on your walk around town always look in to see who might be playing.

Rob Paxton has beaten Darren James of Bideford in the Champions Cup and will next play fellow Crediton bowler Gary Ayley in the third round.

Marilyn Carpenter, Anne Sullivan and Jenny Newbury won their first round County Triples match at Topsham and then entertained the North Tawton trio of Margaret Arscott, Jan Summers and Anita Lamey.

North Tawton went on to win and we wish them good luck in the next round.

In the Men’s Top Club tournament Crediton overcame Barnstaple 5-0 in the first round.

Chris and Ian Bond triumphed over Brian and Anne Poole of Morchard Bishop in the National Family Pairs and Chris has triumphed with his daughter Amy Simpson in the County Pairs.

The internal Club singles was held recently with defending champion Gary Ayley making a very early exit to Mike Tapp.

In the semi-finals Mike Tapp lost out to Rob Paxton and Roy Andrews defeated Lloyd Reynolds.

The final will take place on Friday, June 11 at 6.30pm.

Mike Canning